Paper about depression among older persons in South Africa and Ghana

Depression is a relatively common disorder among adults and older persons. Most of our current knowledge base regarding mental health and depression stems from Western countries. Little knowledge about the prevalence as well as factors associated with depression is known from low-and middle income countries and from Africa.

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This paper examines depression among older persons in South Africa and Ghana, and data are based on a WHO-survey performed during 2007-2009.

Rates of depression varied from 6,7% in Ghana to 2,7% in South Africa. Prevalence of depression and the associated factors were different between genders and between the countries.

The study points to the need for culture- and gender-sensitive approaches for the detection, prevention and management of depression in differing geographical and cultural regions. Anticipated increases in the numbers of older persons in Africa in the years to come highlights the need for updated knowledge on mental health issues among African populations, in order for decision makers to prepare for the provision of adequate diagnostics and treatment of depression and other non-communicable disorders.

Link to article

Depression and its correlates in South Africa and Ghana among people aged 50 and above: Findings from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health
Suraj Bahadur Thapa, Priscilla Martinez, Thomas Clausen
Journal of Psychiatry: Open Access, 17:2014. 1000167. doi:10.4172/1994-8220.1000167

Published Dec. 4, 2014 2:49 PM - Last modified Sep. 8, 2023 10:11 AM