Unveiling Mental Health Realities in Nepal: NDHS 2022 Insights

Mental health remains a crucial public health concern in Nepal, as highlighted by the recent insights derived from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022. Conducted by HERD International, these findings underscore the pressing need to address mental health with robust policy actions and societal support.

Key Findings:

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression:
- Anxiety: 11.29%
- Depression: 5.43%
- Both Conditions Combined: 21.94%
Gender and Mental Health: Women are significantly more affected, with anxiety and depression prevalence at 23% and 6%, respectively, compared to 12% and 2% in men. Particularly concerning is the higher prevalence among adolescent girls aged 15-19 years (anxiety 18%, depression 5%) compared to adolescent boys (anxiety 10%, depression 2%).
Socioeconomic Disparities: Mental health conditions disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. The concentration curve analysis clearly indicates significant inequity, with higher burdens among poorer populations.
Factors Influencing Mental Health: Various determinants identified include biological influences, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, marital status, disability status, and environmental factors such as poverty and employment conditions.
Treatment and Care Seeking: Alarmingly low rates of care-seeking behavior are reported, with only 19% of women and 13% of men with symptoms actively seeking help. Treatment uptake, including medication and counseling, remains low.

Crucial Recommendations:

Enhance Accessibility: Improve mental health services across provinces, especially in high-prevalence areas such as Bagmati Province.
Address Societal Stigma: Conduct nationwide campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage timely mental health care.
Strengthen Monitoring and Data Collection: Develop integrated mental health monitoring frameworks to ensure accurate, comprehensive data.