The South African Stress and Health (SASH) study: 12-month and lifetime prevalence of common mental disorders.
BACKGROUND
The South African Stress and Health (SASH) study is the first large-scale population-based study of common mental disorders in the country. This paper provides data on the 12-month and lifetime prevalence of these conditions.


METHODS
Data from a nationally representative sample of 4351 adults were analysed. Mental disorders were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). An extensive survey questionnaire detailed contextual and socio-demographic factors, onset and course of mental disorders, and risk factors. Simple weighted cross-tabulation methods were used to estimate prevalence, and logistic regression analysis was used to study correlates of 12-month and lifetime prevalence.


RESULTS
The lifetime prevalence for any disorder was 30.3%, and the most prevalent 12-month and lifetime disorders were the anxiety disorders. The Western Cape had the highest 12-month and lifetime prevalence rates, and the lowest rates were in the Northern Cape.


CONCLUSIONS
The SASH study shows relatively high 12-month and lifetime prevalence rates. These findings have significant implications for planning mentalhealth services.
Herman
Allen A
AA
National School of Public Health, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), Pretoria. allenherman@earthlink.net
Stein
Dan J
DJ
Seedat
Soraya
S
Heeringa
Steven G
SG
Moomal
Hashim
H
Williams
David R
DR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult