Prevalence and Correlates of Depression and Anxiety: A Cross-sectional Study Among Lohars of Himachal Pradesh

Background: Depression and anxiety are two common mental disorders increasing day by day and affecting the well-being of individuals. Various studies have estimated its burden among the urban population, but very few have focused on rural and vulnerable populations. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression and its correlation with sociodemographic and lifestyle variables among the Lohar community of Himachal Pradesh.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected villages of the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh using purposive sampling with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria among the adult population of the Lohar community. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were taken through a predesigned, structured interview schedule. Anxiety and depression were measured through standardised scales, which are GAD-7 and PHQ-9, respectively.

Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety was found to 23% and 28.9% respectively, equally affecting both males and females. Age was strongly associated with both anxiety and depression, showing a higher prevalence among the older adults (p<0.05). Tobacco use was associated with increased depression among women; it showed a surprising inverse relationship with anxiety levels overall. Additionally, socio-economic constraints, such as low income and unemployment, further influenced mental health outcomes.

Conclusions: Prevalence of anxiety and depression is higher in this community, especially among the older adults. Findings suggest that it is important to bring forward the interventions in the community for its welfare and betterment, to decrease and prevent the development of severe levels of anxiety and depression.