Prevalence of psychotic symptoms and their risk factors in urban Tanzania

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2010 Jun;7(6):2514-25. doi: 10.3390/ijerph7062514. Epub 2010 Jun 10.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychotic symptoms in urban Tanzania and their relationship with demographic, socio-economic and social factors. A random sample of 899 adults aged 15-59 was surveyed. The main outcome measure was endorsement of one or more psychotic symptoms identified by the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire. 3.9% respondents reported one or more psychotic symptoms in the preceding year. Significantly higher rates of symptoms were found in those who had recently experienced two or more stressful life events, those with CMD and people who had used cannabis in the preceding year.

Keywords: Tanzania; poverty; psychosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Poverty
  • Prevalence
  • Psychometrics
  • Psychotic Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tanzania / epidemiology
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult