Abstract

Background & Methods: The aim of the study is to study the prevalence and pattern of psychiatric disorders in rural population. The study objective favoured this design due to the fact that current and life time occurrence of various psychiatric disorders together with their socio-demographic and clinical states could be assessed simultaneously. Results: 79.6% of people reported typical response with GHQ-12 scoring. Psychological distress was found in 14.6% with GHQ-12 scoring 15-20. Severe distress was found in 5.8% of the population with GHQ-12 score >21. Overall prevalence of 282 per 1000 was found in the study population. Conclusion: It is the first psychiatric epidemiological study in central India; it has covered the major psychiatric disorders, all age groups and a large population in rural area. The psychiatric disorders were more common in males and in the age group of 40-59 years, separated/divorced participants followed by married participants, in low income groups, in farmers, in illiterates, in persons living alone followed by participants of nuclear families. The findings were statistically significant. The prevalence of 282/1000 was found higher than the general national data, mainly due to higher rates of substance use in the society.

Description