Burden and Factors Associated With Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety Symptoms, and Probable Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder...

Eastern Shan State, particularly Kengtung, Tachileik, and Mong Hsat, has recently faced ongoing political and socioeconomic challenges. However, limited data exist on mental health impacts in this region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and identify associated factors among individuals living in Eastern Shan State of Myanmar.

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 448 adults (March-July 2025) using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10), Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), Short Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Interview (SPRINT), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in Shan State of Myanmar. Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) with random effects for household clustering were applied to identify potential risk factors.

The prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and probable PTSD was 46.4% (208/448; 95% CI: 41.8-51.1), 19.6% (88/448; 95% CI: 16.2-23.6), and 9.4% (42/448; 95% CI: 7.0-12.5), respectively. Depressive symptoms were associated with unemployment (AOR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.14-2.80), inadequate financial status (AOR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.16-2.64), food insecurity (AOR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.05-4.83), low perceived social support from a special person (AOR: 3.23; 95% CI: 2.00-5.21), and forced displacement (AOR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.13-4.40). Similarly, anxiety symptoms were associated with food insecurity (AOR: 4.33; 95% CI: 1.99-9.41), low special person support (AOR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.68-5.13), nonfamily living arrangements (AOR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.94-6.47), and forced displacement (AOR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.61-6.41). Furthermore, probable PTSD was associated with living without family (AOR: 5.65, 95% CI: 2.80-11.39) and forced displacement (AOR: 4.98, 95% CI: 2.31-10.76).

This study contributes to the limited empirical evidence on mental health in conflict-affected regions of Myanmar, where structural vulnerabilities such as economic hardship, displacement, and social isolation amplify psychological distress. The results highlight the urgent need for integrated interventions combining psychosocial support, livelihood recovery, food security, and community-based networks to strengthen resilience in fragile settings.