A survey of depression and anxiety disorders in urban and rural Suriname

Abstract

Background Suriname is a Low-middle income country consisting of diverse population groups. Epidemiological studies concerning mental disorders like depression and anxiety had not been conducted until 2015. The treatment gap for mental disorders in Low and middle-income countries (LMICs) may reach 76-80% as treatment is not always readily available. In this study, we estimate and compare the prevalence of potential cases of depression and anxiety, as well as the size of the treatment gap in a rural (Nickerie) and urban (Paramaribo) region of Suriname, a lower middle-income country. Methods Subjects were selected by a specific sampling method of the national census bureau. The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) was used to assess depression. Generalized anxiety disorder was assessed with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and The Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ), the Body Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ) were used to assess Panic disorder. The treatment gap was calculated by estimating the percentage of subjects with depression or anxiety that did not seek out professional help. Results About 18% of the respondents from Nickerie and 16% from Paramaribo were at risk of depression and the established cut-off values of the instruments used indicate that about 3-4% in both regions may suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Women in both samples were most at risk of high anxiety about body sensations and maladaptive thoughts about panic. The treatment gap varies between 78 and 100% for the two disorders. Conclusions A high depression rate has been found in both areas, especially among young females. In addition, a high treatment gap is noted which insinuates that more therapeutic strategies are required to tackle depression and anxiety in Suriname.

The association between urbanization and adolescent depression in China

“…Secondly, compared with residents living in areas with high urbanization, those living in areas with lower urbanization have less awareness of depression and its severity, as rural residents may have limited access to sources of health information ( Chen et al, 2019 ). Lack of awareness of depression and its symptoms could affect rural residents willingness to receive diagnosis or treatment, resulting in low utilization of basic public health services ( Jadnanansing et al, 2022 ; Li et al, 2011 ; Phillips et al, 2009 ). Thus, urbanization can provide opportunities to protect health, especially for people with depression, such as better living conditions, dissemination of better health knowledge, and improved access to health care ( Purtle et al, 2019 ; van der Wal et al, 2021 ; Yang et al, 2013 ).…”

General Demographics and Behavioral Patterns of Visitors Using a Self-help Website for Identification of and Intervention in Alcoholism and Common Mental Disorders in Suriname: Descriptive Study

“…The study shows that with proper advertisement it is possible to apply eHealth modules for mental disorders in LMIC. This is favorable since recent surveys have shown a significantly high treatment gap for alcohol abuse disorders [12] and depression and anxiety [13]. The program fully adheres to the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Program.…”

“…Web-based mental health for the Surinamese community is made possible through the eHealth.sr website [11] hosted by the PCS. This website was developed in collaboration with Arkin Mental Health Care in the context of a survey research project on the prevalence and treatment gap for substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety among the population of the Surinamese districts Nickerie and Paramaribo [12,13]. Respondents in this survey project who scored above cutoff points for alcohol abuse, depression, or anxiety were referred to the eHealth.sr website.…”

“…In Suriname, eHealth is made possible through the website [11] designed by Arkin Mental Health Care and the Center for Psychiatry in Suriname (PCS) and hosted by the PCS. Previous studies have found a huge gap in the treatment of mental disorders such as alcohol abuse and depression and anxiety disorders [12,13]. These studies identified a treatment gap in Suriname, a transitional country.…”

Association between digital engagement and urban-rural disparities in Chinese women's depressive symptoms: A national-level cross-sectional study

“… 22 Studies on China have shown that rural residents have significantly higher depressive symptoms than urban residents, 23 and that women among rural students are at higher risk of experiencing depression. 24 Especially in low- and middle-income countries, women with low education, widows, divorced and unemployed women are at higher risk of depression, 25 and urban-rural disparities in depressive symptoms are concentrated in the group of unpartnered women. 26 However, it has also been found that rural residence reduces the risk of major depressive disorder and is more protective for young women than young men.…”