Abstract
Epidemiological studies have found a high prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) in low to middle-income countries (World Health Organization [WHO], 2001). Despite this, there has been little information on studies regarding CMDs, gender and neighbourhood effects over time. By means of secondary data analysis the aim of this study was to investigate the changes within CMD prevalence (as measured by the Self-Report Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) in five low socioeconomic housing communities within Johannesburg (being Braamfischerville, Riverlea, Hospital Hill, Bertrams and Hillbrow) over a five year period (2007 to 2011). To achieve this, the objectives were as follows: to determine the prevalence of CMDs within five low socioeconomic status neighbourhoods for the period 2007-2011; to determine CMD differences between the selected neighbourhoods for the period 2007-2011; and to determine the gender CMD differences between neighbourhoods for the period 2007-2011. A variability in results was indicated as evidenced by increases and decreases at various years of the study. However, the majority of the study sites displayed decreases in high CMD percentage, ranging from 5,6% to 17,0% (from 2007 to 2011). Braamfischerville and Hospital Hill consistently showed higher CMD scores compared to Riverlea, Bertrams and Hillbrow. Hillbrow showed more lower CMD scores per year. While Riverlea and Bertrams showed more variability. The findings of this present study were consistent with previous studies reporting poorer mental health among individuals residing...
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)