An analysis of patterns and predictors of self-reported common mental disorders in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Common mental disorders (CMDs) have been on the rise in developing countries. This study set out to unravel the pattern of CMD prevalence in a traditional African city, Ibadan. The study, in addition to socio-economic and demographic variables, takes into cognisance the effect of some peculiar environmental variables. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 was used for CMD screening, and the questionnaire was administered to 1,200 respondents in a cross-sectional survey approach. The results showed that the overall pattern of CMD prevalence is random (Global Moran’s I (P = 0.78, I = 0.00 and Z = 0.29)). Respondents without education reported the highest cases of CMD (48.6%). When combined together, migrants reported 52.5% of the CMDs. The significant variables are food security (β = −0.198), green space (β = −0.057), migration status (β = −0.054), flood-prone residence (β = 0.453), low-quality housing (β = −0.061), frequent recreation participation (β = −0.071), experience of spousal violence (β = 0.199), positive self-rated health (β = −0.134) and positive quality of life (β = −0.205). The predictors of CMD explained about 35.8% of the variation (R²) and an R value of 59.9%. The study showed that CMDs occur among most of the urban population. Adequate media sensitization will have significant ameliorating effects on urban residents.