Who Gets Help? Analyzing Disparities in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care Seeking of Anxiety and Depression Among Women in Bangladesh

IntroductionDespite the availability of various treatments for anxiety and depression, the diagnosis, treatment, and care-seeking are very low in Bangladesh, which can have effects on both individual and societal levels. We explored the situation and factors associated with the diagnosis, treatment, and care-seeking of anxiety and depression among reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh. MethodologyWe utilized data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2022. Diagnosis (ever told by a healthcare provider), treatment (took prescribed medicine), and care-seeking (who have ever sought help) were outcome variables. We used log-binomial logistic regression to explore the factors associated with diagnosis, treatment, and care-seeking of anxiety and depression. FindingsAmong all respondents, 3.39% were diagnosed with anxiety, 0.56% were diagnosed with depression by a provider, and only 2.0% received treatment, with 7.9% seeking help from a doctor or medical personnel. Compared to women aged 15-19, diagnosis and care-seeking were significantly higher among women aged 20-49. Significant regional variations were observed for treatment and care seeking. Women with a positive attitude towards wife beating had significantly higher levels of diagnosis (PR=1.28, CI: 1.06, 1.45, p=0.008), treatment (PR=1.50, CI: 1.17, 1.92, p=0.001), and care-seeking (PR=1.52, CI: 1.34, 1.72, p<0.001) than others. Middle class (PR=1.19, CI: 1.00, 1.41, p=0.046) and working women (PR=1.22, CI: 1.09, 1.38, p=0.001) had a higher, and women who didnt use the internet (PR=0.67, CI: 0.59, 0.77, p<0.001) had a lower prevalence of care-seeking. ConclusionPolicy actions should be taken to reduce the stigma towards asking for and receiving help for common mental health disorders and create a specialized department in government hospitals. Internet and social media can be used strategically for this, and special focus should be given to women suffering from intimate partner violence.