Community Based Survey on Psychiatric Morbidity in Eastern Nepal

• Main Authors: Pramod Mohan Shyangwa, Dhana Ratna Shakya, Baikuntha Raj Adhikari, Arun Kumar Pandey, Nidesh Sapkota, Binod Kumar Deo, Surya Raj Niraula
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nepal Medical Association 2014-12-01
• Series: Journal of Nepal Medical Association
• Subjects: community survey; mental illness; psychiatric morbidity.
• Online Access: https://www.jnma.com.np/jnma/index.php/jnma/article/view/2801
• ISSN: 0028-2715; 1815-672X

Introduction: Mental health problem is common and ubiquitous. Mental illness cuts across all sections of society, irrespective of socio-economic status. Recent international survey showed a varying prevalence rates ranged (4.7%- 12.0%). The Community study in Nepal yielded prevalence rate of mental illness at 14.0%. Methods: descriptive, epidemiologic study with systematic randomization sampling. Results: Of 911 respondents majority was married (76.1%), of age group 20-59 yrs. Overall, 113 (12.4%) respondents had at least one psychiatric disorder and the commonest were: Depression, Anxiety disorders, Alcohol use disorders with 1.9% had seizure/epilepsy. Conclusions: Community prevalence rate of some common psychiatric disorders is high which calls for special attention to address depressive and alcohol related disorder from all quarters of society particularly from government.  Keywords: community survey; mental illness; psychiatric morbidity.