Work

Symptoms of common mental disorders and suicidality among female survivors of war related sexual and gender based violence in one stop centers of the Amhara region, Ethiopia: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Common mental disorders (CMDs) and suicidality are two of the most common psychological and mental health issues associated with acute and chronic sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude of symptoms of CMDs, and suicidality among females experienced SGBV in Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 female survivors of SGBV in the One Stop Centers of the Amhara region. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. The odds ratio at a p-value of 0.05 was used to determine the strength of the association of the independent variables with CMDs and suicidality. Results: A total of 407 women participated in the study. Suicidality was reported by a quarter of the survivors (24.1%), while CMDs were reported by nearly two-thirds (61.7%). Being widowed (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI = 3.0 [1.22, 7.66]), having a family history of mental illnesses (AOR = 7.1, 95% CI = 7.1 [4.07, 12.39)], being low-income (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI = 2.8 [1.64, 5.06]), and current drug use (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 2.9 [1.63, 5.16]) were all linked with CMDs. Having a history of abortion (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI = 4.1 [1.9, 8.5]), CMDs (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI = 4.6 [2.0, 10.74]), and history of suicide (AOR = 3.41, 95% CI = 3.41 [1.22, 9.55]) were some of the characteristics that were substantially linked with suicidality. Conclusion: Females with SGBV had a high prevalence of CMDs and suicidality and calls for comprehensive remedies.

Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1456909

Authors: Tsion Michael, Solomon Moges Demeke

Institution: Woldia University

Language: English

Topic: Gender, Security, and Conflict

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801