Uganda’s Mental Health Gender Divide: Women’s Anxiety and Depression Rates Surpass Men’s
In a joint effort between Butabika Hospital and Makerere University, a comprehensive study sheds light on the mental health landscape in Uganda. The study’s findings indicate that women are more likely to grapple with severe anxiety and depression, while men are predominantly affected by alcohol abuse. This noteworthy gender difference highlights a crucial aspect of mental health in the country.
The study encompassed 2,067 participants from various districts, including Kapchorwa, Adjumani, Bushenyi, and Butambala. These participants were drawn from schools, individuals seeking health services at lower healthcare facilities, and the general community.
The released results, presented on Tuesday, unveil a significant gender disparity in the prevalence of mental health issues. Approximately 39% of women reported experiencing severe anxiety, in contrast to 24% of men. When it comes to depression, the numbers indicate that 12.6% of women are affected, as opposed to 5% of men.
The primary objective of this study was to gauge the extent to which mental health services have been integrated into primary healthcare, educational institutions, and communities across selected Ugandan districts.
Professor Fredrick Makumbi, a lecturer at the Makerere University School of Public Health and one of the researchers involved in the study, observed that, in general, one in every three individuals reported severe anxiety. Moreover, when assessing the participants’ attitudes toward mental illness, a considerable portion believed it to be behavior-related.
Dr. Juliet Nakku, a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital and leader of the study, underscores the prevalence of mental illness and the high demand for medication. An astounding nine out of every ten surveyed individuals expressed belief in the effectiveness of medication in treating mental health conditions. However, limited access to care persists due to challenges such as long distances, inadequate facilities, and medication shortages.
A striking revelation from the study is that nearly 40% of respondents perceived mentally ill individuals as being in danger. This perception is partly driven by the fact that a significant number of people turn to religious leaders or traditional healers for treatment before seeking help from hospitals. Approximately 9.3% sought treatment from religious leaders, and another 5.3% sought assistance from traditional healers.
Dr. Nakku suggests a solution to address these challenges. There is a pressing need to incorporate mental health services into community programs, granting it the same level of attention as other prevalent diseases, such as HIV. The inclusion of social workers in communities could serve as a crucial link for individuals in need of treatment and interventions, thereby enhancing the accessibility and quality of mental healthcare.
