title: Prevalence and correlates of common mental disorders among mothers of young children in Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although poor maternal mental health is a major public health problem, with detrimental effects on the individual, her children and society, information on its correlates in low-income countries is sparse.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigates the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) among at-risk mothers, and explores its associations with sociodemographic factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  This population-based survey of mothers of children aged 0-36 months used the 14-item Shona Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ). Mothers whose response was "yes" to 8 or more items on the scale were defined as "at risk of CMD."
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 1,922 mothers (15-48 years), 28.8% were at risk of CMD. Risk of CMD was associated with verbal abuse, physical abuse, a partner who did not help with the care of the child, being in a polygamous relationship, a partner with low levels of education, and a partner who smoked cigarettes. Cohabiting appeared to be protective.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taken together, our results indicate the significance of the quality of relations with one's partner in shaping maternal mental health. The high proportion of mothers who are at risk of CMD emphasizes the importance of developing evidence-based mental health programmes as part of the care package aimed at improving maternal well-being in Tanzania and other similar settings.
authors.affiliation: Division of Women and Children, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway. j.g.uriyo@medisin.uio.no/
authors.forename: Jacqueline G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Uriyo
authors.forename: Amina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abubakar
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Swai
authors.forename: Sia E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Msuya
authors.forename: Babill
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stray-Pedersen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers; D015995:Prevalence; D062486:Public Health Surveillance; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult