Author: Amira Amjad
Supervisor: Nashi Khan, PhD
Degree: MS
Year: 2011-2013
University: Centre for Clinical Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The current study was conducted to find out the relationship between Poverty and Common Mental Disorders among patients who were seeking treatment from GP clinics. Purposive sampling was done using within group research design. Data was collected from 219 (M=35,F=184) participants experiencing mild and transitory medical conditions. Semi-structured interview was administered for the purpose of initial screening and obtaining socio-demographic information. Symptom Checklist-R and GHQ-28 were also administered on them to identify Common Mental Disorders. The findings revealed that CMD’s were present in the samples; Psychological Distress (76%), Depression (52%), Anxiety (44 %), Low Frustration Tolerance (42%) and Somatoform (40%). The current study showed that women experience more Common Mental Disorders than men. The results also revealed positive correlation between poverty, marital status and Common Mental Disorders whereas negative correlation between education and Common Mental Disorders was found. Logistic Regression revealed that poverty and marital status were two significant predictors of Common Mental Disorders. Married people showed more depressive symptoms, somatic complaints and Low frustration tolerance than unmarried. However anxiety was higher among unmarried as compared to married. Overall this research signified a need of General Practitioners to realize and understand that Common Mental Disorders are common in individuals presenting in primary health care set ups. Also there is need for timely identification of such at risk individuals so that interventions could be implemented accordingly.
Keywords: Demographical Effect, Common Mental Disorders.
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