Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among national community-based adult populations in Nauru, Tukelau and Tuvalu
Issued Date
2023-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00207640
eISSN
17412854
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85178878277
Journal Title
International Journal of Social Psychiatry
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of Social Psychiatry (2023)
Suggested Citation
Pengpid S., Peltzer K. Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among national community-based adult populations in Nauru, Tukelau and Tuvalu. International Journal of Social Psychiatry (2023). doi:10.1177/00207640231212978 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/91516
Title
Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among national community-based adult populations in Nauru, Tukelau and Tuvalu
Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Aims: The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress (PD) in three small Pacific Island countries. Method: National cross-sectional data (pooled sample N = 3,088, 18–69 years) of participants from the STEPS surveys in Nauru (2015/16; N = 1382), Tukelau (2014; N = 554) and Tuvalu (2015; N = 1152) were analysed. Results: In the pooled sample 30.4% participants had PD (⩾20 scores), 18.1% mild (20–24 scores), 7.8% moderate (25–29 scores) and 4.4% severe (30–50 scores) PD. The prevalence of PD in Nauru was 41.5%, in Tukelau 5.0% and in Tuvalu 22.7%. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis with the pooled sample, younger age (18–39 years), alcohol family problems, heart attack/stroke, current smoking, high salt intake and high sedentary behaviour were positively associated with PD, while male sex and being from Tukelau and Tuvalu were negatively associated with PD. Conclusion: Almost one in three participants reported PD and several associated factors were found that can be targeted in population interventions.