Prevalence of common mental disorders and associated factors among adults in Merawi town, West Gojjam zone, Amhara regional state, North-west Ethiopia.

Abstract

Common mental disorders are the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide. About 450 million people suffer from mental disorders in the world today. Among these, 150 million is attributed to depression. This already high proportion is rising ·' and projections suggest that by 2030, Unipolar depressive disorder alone will be the second highest cause of all DAL Ys (Disability Adjusted Life years). Projections estimate that by the year 2020, neuropsychiatric conditions will account for 15% of disability worldwide, with Unipolar depression alone accounting for 12.15% of DAL Ys. The risk is higher among the poor, homeless, the unemployed, persons with low education, victims of violence, migrants and refugees, indigenous populations, children and adolescents, abused women and the neglected elderly. The investigation on common mental disorders in Ethiopia is restricted to socio­ demographic factors, but population with risk behaviors experience highest prevalence of anxiety and depression. So this study will provide additional information on the risk~4 habits. More epidemiological data are necessary to assist policy makers in their efforts to reform mental healthcare in Ethiopia. J • Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of common mental disorders and associated factors in Merawi town. Methods: Community based cross sectional study will be conducted from July5-20, 2014 in Merawi town. The data will be collected by using interview administered questionnaire. The study will be' conducted among 526 adults above 17years of age. A specific form will be used to obtain information about socio- demographic aspects, lifestyle and disease frequency. In addition, the SRQ-20 will be used to measure common mental disorders (CMD). .Data will be' checked, coded and entered to Epi,-info version 3.5.3, 2011 and will be exported to SPSS (Statistical Package for Social science) version 20 for analysis. Work plan and cost of the project: A total of 27,488.475 Birr is required to carry out this study.