Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mental disorders are highly prevalent globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Migration within a country (internal migration) may be a risk factor for mental illness due to challenges faced in a new environment. However, research on internal migration and mental health is limited, especially in Nepal.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey. Mental disorders (depression/anxiety) were the outcome. Key variables were internal migration status, demographic factors, and self-reported health status. Logistic regression identified factors associated with mental disorders.
RESULTS: Among 11,976 participants, 5% reported mental disorders. In adjusted analysis, mental disorders were associated with poor self-reported health (aOR 5.74), older age (aOR 3.03 for ages 40-49 versus 15-19), and female gender (aOR 2.20). Internal migration was not independently associated with mental disorders (aOR 0.98).
CONCLUSIONS: Poor health, older age, and female gender - but not internal migration - were risk factors for mental disorders in this Nepali population. Further research should explore drivers of mental illness in vulnerable groups to inform mental health interventions.
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