Prevalence of common mental disorders and perspective toward mental health in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi, India: A mixed-method study.

Abstract

Background: The paucity of community-based research and misunderstandings surrounding mental illness in low- and middle-income countries impede the provision of proper care in this domain. The objective of this research was to assess the prevalence of common mental disorders in an urban resettlement colony in Delhi, India, explore associated factors, and understand the community's perspective on mental health.

Materials and methods: A community-based mixed-method study was conducted in which 130 participants were selected through multistage systematic random sampling and 12 key community members by purposive sampling. To assess the prevalence of common mental disorders, the 20-item Self-Reported Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used, while the community's viewpoint on mental illness was explored using an in-depth interview guide. The odds ratio (OR) for risk factors was calculated using Pearson's Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and multiple logistic regression. For the qualitative component, themes were analyzed and presented.

Results: The study found an 18.5% prevalence of common mental disorders in the area. Socioeconomic status, hypertension, chronic health conditions, and the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on personal life were significant predictors (P < 0.05). The qualitative study identified that community members have a negative perspective on mental illness. Women are a vulnerable group because of their susceptibility to violence and certain cultural factors.

Conclusion: Insufficient knowledge and societal stigmatization act as barriers to accessing mental health services. Certain groups, such as people of lower socioeconomic strata, living with a chronic disease are more affected. Targeted interventions are required to address these effectively.