title: Conflict and mental health: a cross-sectional epidemiological study in Nepal.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this epidemiological study was to identify prevalence rates of mental health problems, factors associated with poor mental health and protective and risk factors in a post-conflict situation in Nepal.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study was conducted among 720 adults in 2008. A three-stage sampling procedure was used following a proportionate stratified random sampling strategy. The outcome measures used in the study were locally validated with Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-Civilian Version (PCL-C) and locally constructed function impairment scale, resources and coping.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the sample, 27.5% met threshold for depression, 22.9% for anxiety, and 9.6% for PTSD. Prevalence rates were higher among women (depression, OR 2.14 [1.52-3.47]; anxiety, OR 2.30 [1.45-3.17] and PTSD, OR 3.32 [1.87-5.89]) and older age categories (depression, OR 1.02 [1.01-1.04]; anxiety, OR 1.04 [1.03-1.05] and PTSD, OR 1.02 [1.0-1.03]). Respondents who perceived more negative impact of the conflict (e.g., hampered the business/industry; hindered in getting medical treatment, etc.) in their communities were more at risk for depression (OR 1.1 [1.06-1.14]), anxiety (OR 1.05 [1.01-1.09]) and PTSD (OR 1.09 [1.04-1.14]). Other risk factors identified in the study were ethnicity, district of residence and poverty (lack of clothing, medicine and information via radio at home).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, the prevalence rates of depression and anxiety in the sample are comparable to, or lower than, other studies conducted with populations affected by conflict and with refugees. However, the findings underscore the need to address the current lack of mental health care resources in post-conflict rural Nepal, especially for marginalized populations.
authors: Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal. luitelnp@gmail.com
authors: Nagendra P
authors: NP
authors: Luitel
authors: Mark J D
authors: MJ
authors: Jordans
authors: Ram P
authors: RP
authors: Sapkota
authors: Wietse A
authors: WA
authors: Tol
authors: Brandon A
authors: BA
authors: Kohrt
authors: Suraj B
authors: SB
authors: Thapa
authors: Ivan H
authors: IH
authors: Komproe
authors: Bhogendra
authors: B
authors: Sharma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009390:Nepal / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012036:Refugees / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014857:Warfare