The physical and social associations of common mental disorder in a tribal population in South India.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have shown high prevalence rates of Common Mental Disorder (CMD) in developing countries, however few have studied its relationship with physical morbidity.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between CMD and anaemia, malnutrition and physical symptoms.


METHODS
Outpatients attending a hospital for tribal people in Kerala, India were interviewed to collect information on demographic characteristics, physical symptoms and life events. They were weighed and measured and their haemoglobin concentration was measured. Associations between these data and Self Report Questionnaire (SRQ) score were examined.


RESULTS
Multivariate analysis showed high SRQ score was associated with more physical symptoms, being female, no education and more life events in the past year.


CONCLUSIONS
The main associations of CMD are social. The association with physical symptoms may also be socially mediated.
Hackett
Richard J
RJ
Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health Trust, Prescott House, Prescott St, Little Hulton, Salford M28 0ZA, UK. dickhackett@doctors.org.uk
Sagdeo
Dhananjay
D
Creed
Francis H
FH
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders; D044382:Population Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires