Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among a national population-based sample of adults in Solomon Islands

Abstract

Background: Psychological distress is an undersearched cause of poorer health in the Pacific island countries. Aims: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress in a population-based survey among 18–69 year-old persons in Solomon Islands. Method: Cross-sectional nationally representative data of 2,533 18–69 year-old persons (38 years were the median age) from the 2015 Solomon Islands STEPS survey were analysed. Results: The results indicate that 18.9% of participants had psychological distress (⩾20 scores), 13.4% had mild (20–24 scores), 4.3% moderate (25–29 scores) and 1.1% severe (30–50 scores) psychological distress. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, being divorced, separated, or widowed (AOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.60–4.78), having had a heart attack or stroke (AOR: 3.34, 95% CI: 2.23–4.99), alcohol dependence (AOR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.04–2.84), and sedentary behaviour (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.28–2.84), were positively and the consumption of 3–4 servings of fruit and vegetables (AOR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42–0.92), were negatively associated with psychological distress (⩾20 scores). In addition, in a sex stratified adjusted logistic regression analysis among men, current smokeless tobacco use (AOR: 4.95, 95% CI: 1.66–14.75), was associated with psychological distress. Furthermore, in the overall unadjusted analysis, stop smoking attempts in the past 12 months and consumption of too much salt was associated with psychological distress. Conclusion: Almost one in five participants were reported psychological distress and several factors were detected which could be targeted in intervention activities.