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Original Article

Four decades following the Khmer rouge: sociodemographic factors impacting depression, anxiety and PTSD in Cambodia

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Pages 175-180 | Received 14 Jun 2016, Accepted 23 Feb 2018, Published online: 07 May 2018
 

Abstract

Background: Reliable population-based epidemiological data of Cambodian mental health is lacking.

Aims: This study identifies the prevalence of and factors associated with anxiety, depression and PTSD in Cambodian adults.

Methods: A nationally representative sample of Cambodian adults (N = 2690) was interviewed utilizing the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (assessment of PTSD symptoms) and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (assessment of symptoms of anxiety and depression).

Results: Respondents expressed high rates of anxiety (27.4%), depression (16.7%) and PTSD (7.6%). Correlations between symptoms and sociodemographic markers varied in significance. Women had significantly higher rates of mental health symptoms than men. Women who were in debt, widowed or divorced and had low levels of education were the most likely to report symptoms.

Conclusions: These findings can inform Cambodian mental health policies and development strategies, especially targeting the most vulnerable groups.

Acknowledgements

We are grateful for the support of our colleagues, Dr. Bunnak Poch, Channika Pot, Laura Bebra Saupe, Hema Nhong, Sisokhom Sek, Dr. Luise Ahrens, Dr. Kevin Conroy and Lorien Jordan.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare there is no conflict of interest. Data collection for this research was funded by GIZ (Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit), Maryknoll, and Catholic Relief Services.

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