Author:
Saleem Haneefa T.,West Nora S.,Likindikoki Samuel
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Globally, women who use drugs face multiple health vulnerabilities, including poor mental health. Little is known about the mental health burden among women who use drugs in sub-Saharan Africa. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and predictors of depressive and anxiety symptoms among a sample of women who use drugs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods
We administered a cross-sectional survey to a non-random sample of 200 women who use drugs in Dar es Salaam between November 2018 and March 2019. We used descriptive statistics to characterize the study sample and fitted separate logistic regression models to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms and their predictors.
Results
The percentages of women reporting depressive and anxiety symptoms were 67.5% and 43.7%, respectively. Internalized drug use stigma (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.03–1.75) and prior attempts to stop heroin use (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.28-7.00) were associated with depressive symptoms. Enacted drug use stigma from health workers (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.34–3.04) and anticipated drug use stigma from family (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.02–2.16) were associated with anxiety symptoms.
Conclusions
Depressive and anxiety symptoms were high among our study sample, with higher reports of symptoms of depression than anxiety. Drug use stigma was a key factor that contributed to elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Funder
National Institute on Drug Abuse
National Institutes of Health
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
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