Prevalence and determinants of mental health among an indigent population in rural Burkina Faso: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background In Burkina Faso, prevalence of mental health disorders and the characteristics of people living with these disorders are scarce, especially among the poorest. Methods This study aims at providing a descriptive portrait of the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and their determinants among indigent individuals living in rural Burkina Faso. A cross-sectional design was chosen, using a stratified sampling procedure. A questionnaire comprising 73 questions was administered to 1314 respondents. Results Mental health symptoms were grouped into three types: anxiodepressive, somatic and psychotic. A total of 1234 (93.9 %) participants reported having experienced at least one anxiodepressive symptom and 1087 (82.7%) respondents reported at least one somatic symptom one month prior to the interview. Furthermore, 256 (19.5%) participants reported at least one psychotic symptom in their lifetime. Differences in the expression of distress between regions were noted as well as a feeling of exclusion among respondents to their communities were common to all symptomatic profiles, which opens up avenues of targeted intervention for future equitable mental health policies. Conclusions The mental health action plan 2014-2018 in Burkina Faso7 identified the lack of evidence in mental health as one of the most salient issues. This study contributes to addressing this limitation and participates in the Movement for Global Mental Health (MGMH) by providing knowledge on the prevalence of symptoms of mental health disorders in a vulnerable population living in rural areas.