# Prevalence and determinants of common mental health illnesses among reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh: Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys data 2022

## TL;DR

This study finds that 20.4% of reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh suffer from common mental illnesses, with factors like age, region, pregnancy loss, and social violence increasing the risk.

## Contribution

The study is the first large-scale analysis of mental health determinants among Bangladeshi women using 2022 BDHS data.

## Key findings

- 20.4% of reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh have common mental illnesses.
- Women in certain regions and older age groups have significantly higher odds of experiencing CMIs.
- Pregnancy loss and exposure to social violence are strongly associated with increased mental health risks.

## Abstract

Women are more vulnerable to depression and/or anxiety comprised as common mental illnesses (CMIs) worldwide, particularly in Bangladesh. To date, no study has conducted in broad scale to explore the associated factors with CMIs among women in Bangladesh. This study aims to identify the significant strength of association of several factors with the presence of CMIs, which are responsible for the development of mental stress. To accomplish this work, Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2022 data have been used, are publicly available in the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) program. A total of 19985 ever-married women aged 15–49 years are incorporated in this work. The association of selected predictors with mental health illness among women was assessed using Chi-square test and a binary logistic regression model was applied to explore the effect of those predictors on the presence of mental health illnesses. The study explored that 20.4% of reproductive-aged women have suffered from common mental illnesses (CMIs). Women aged 25–35 years and above 35 years have higher odds of experiencing CMIs [Odds = 1.46, Cl: 1.30-1.63; Odds = 1.78, CI: 1.58-2.00]. The women who belong to Barishal, Chattogram, Khulna, Rangpur, and Sylhet have 1.17 [CI: 1.00-1.36], 1.27 [CI: 1.11-1.46], 1.35 [CI: 1.17-1.56], 1.62 [CI: 1.41-1.87], and 1.15 [CI: 0.99-1.34] times higher odds of having CMIs. Women who have lost their pregnancies have 28.3% higher odds of having the CMIs [CI: 1.18-1.39]. The estimated odds for women who suffered from both social obstacles and social violence are 1.58 [CI: 1.45-1.71] and 1.27 [CI: 1.15-1.41], respectively. These results suggest that women should receive focused mental health interventions, especially those who are dealing with social violence, pregnancy losses, and other psychosocial issues. Improving women’s access to economic and educational possibilities can also act as a buffer against common mental illnesses.