Correlates of Anxiety and Depression among Young Men Living in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are important sources of morbidity globally, but we have little knowledge of risk groups and risk factors for both classes of disorders in Tanzania and other low-resource settings. We aimed to identify socio-demographic markers and risk and protective factors associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression among 1249 young men belonging to social groups known as "camps" in Dar es Salaam. Anxiety and depression were measured using the HSCL-25. Men living apart from family reported greater symptoms of anxiety and depression than men living with family, and employment was associated with a greater likelihood of clinically significant symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Childhood experience of violence was strongly associated with both anxiety and depression. Social support was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression, and with a lower likelihood of clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression in this population. Youth not living with family and the working poor may be important populations for future investigation. Interventions targeting survivors of childhood violence and social support-based interventions should be tested to address the burden of anxiety and depression in this setting.

Microfinance and Peer Health Leadership Intervention Implementation for Men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Qualitative Assessment of Perceived Economic and Health Outcomes

“…The businesses men started or strengthened created extra income for some men, thereby reducing the economic stressors associated with underemployment and expectations as breadwinners for their families. These stressors are linked with anxiety and depression among men in Tanzania and elsewhere (Hamad et al, 2008; Hill et al, 2018). Therefore, the main pathway through which the intervention improved men’s health was through the increased income generated from their businesses that helped reduce the financial stressors men face as breadwinners for their families, which can negatively affect their mental health (Hamad et al, 2008; Silberschmidt, 2001).…”

“…Throughout the region men are socialized to be financial providers for their families and may become stressed or depressed when they are unable to provide financially (Barker & Ricardo, 2005; Hunter, 2006; Silberschmidt, 2001). In Tanzania, 22% of men reported clinically significant symptoms of depression and 20% reported clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (Hill et al, 2018). Men with higher anxiety and depression scores were less likely to use condoms and more likely to have multiple sexual partners compared to men with lower anxiety or lower depression scores (Hill et al, 2017).…”

Investigating the Prevalence of Mental Health Challenges among Students at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Case Study for Depression, Anxiety and Stress

“…Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and stress are becoming more common public health problems around the world including Tanzania [1][2][3]. They in ict emotional and nancial burdens to individuals, families and society as a whole [4].…”

“…The awareness and understanding of mental illnesses early are imperative. Globally, mental health challenges such as depression, stress and anxiety have been shown to be sources of morbidity [3].…”

“…University students are arriving at the University of Dar es Salaam from across all the regions of Tanzania. Greater symptoms of depression and anxiety have been shown to be experienced by people living apart from family than those living with their family [3]. UDSM has gradually become a complex organisation due to an increased intake of students every year and extension of campuses and sites outside of Dar es Salaam.…”