Prevalence of Reported Mental Illness in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Community-Based Study

Mental illness is the second leading cause of disease burden globally, following cardiovascular diseases. Over 25% of people worldwide will experience mental illness at some point, and low-income countries contribute 12% of the global disease burden. However, data on mental disorders are scarce in low-income countries, leading to insufficient attention to mental illness prevention and treatment. This study assesses the prevalence of mental illness and its associated factors in Addis Ababa.

This study was conducted in the Addis Health and Demography Surveillance System (Addis HDSS) in Yeka sub-city, Addis Ababa, using a structured questionnaire. The prevalence of reported mental illness was calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and logistic regression was employed to examine factors such as age, sex, chronic illness, physical disability, and wealth index associated with mental illness.

A total of 107,494 respondents participated, with 44.6% men. The average age was 29.23 ± 18.97 years. The reported prevalence of mental illness was 1.1% (95% CI: 1.1-1.2), with 50.7% of those affected being men. Mental illness was more common in individuals aged 65 years and older. The odds of reported mental illness were higher in men (AOR 1.24; 95% CI 1.12-1.39), in those with physical disabilities (AOR 10.12; 95% CI 8.64-11.84), and in those with chronic illness (AOR 2.35; 95% CI 1.22-4.54).

This study adds to the limited data on mental illness prevalence in the community, highlighting it as a significant health burden. The results emphasize the need for healthcare planning focused on mental health and increased community awareness. Particular attention should be given to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, those with physical disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses.