Factors Associated with Anxiety and Depression among Reproductive-aged Women in Bangladesh: Insights from the 2022 DHS

IntroductionMental health disorder causes significant disturbance to every aspect of an individuals life. Almost one in every eight people in the world lives with a mental disorder. In this study, we aimed to measure the prevalence and determinants of anxiety and depression among reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh. MethodologyWe utilized data from Bangladesh demographic and health survey-2022. Anxiety and depression were measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 Scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). We used the chi-square test in bivariate analysis and log-binomial logistic regression to explore the factors associated with anxiety and depression. FindingsAround 20% and 5% had symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. Compared to women aged 15-19, anxiety was significantly higher among women ages 20-49, and women aged 45-49 (PR= 1.73, p=0.004) had a substantially higher depression. Women living in Rangpur had the highest prevalence of both anxiety and depression. Women from the poorest households and having a bank account had a significantly higher prevalence of anxiety and depression than others. Muslims had higher anxiety (PR=1.40, p<0.001) and depression (PR= 1.48, p=<0.001). Women with positive attitudes towards wife-beating had higher anxiety (PR=1.28 p<0.001) and depression (PR= 1.47, p=<0.001). Women with no education had significantly higher anxiety levels (PR=1.37, p<0.001), whereas those who had access to mass media had a higher depression (PR=1.20, p=0.016). ConclusionWomen of reproductive age face multiple crucial life events that can have an impact on their mental health. In this situation, strategic policy actions need to be provided at both family, community, and provider levels to safeguard the mental health of women in the country. Additionally, specific actions and programs need to drive for women aged 40 or above, women of lower socioeconomic class, women of Rangpur, and women suffering from domestic violence.