Psychological distress in South Africa: Analysis of 2017 national household survey data

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of psychological distress in South Africa requires updated estimates.
Aim: This article aims to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with non-specific psychological distress at a national level in South Africa in 2017.
Setting: The study utilised data from a 2017 nationally representative, cross-sectional, population-based household survey.
Methods: Interviews were conducted with 36 609 individuals, aged ≥15 years. Prevalence of psychological distress, using the Kessler-10 scale, was varied by demographics, health status, substance use and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Chi-square tests, univariate analyses and a multivariate logistic model were constructed. Collinearity between independent variables was assessed.
Results: Almost half (47%) of the respondents could be classified as psychologically distressed. Higher levels of psychological distress were observed for women (52.6%), among those aged 25 years – 49 years (53.8%), black Africans (84.2%), those with secondary school level of education (64.1%), unmarried people (73.7%) and those residing in urban areas (63.5%). The multivariate logistic regression model found significant differences for sex, self-reported health status, alcohol use, employment status and locality. Human immunodeficiency virus serostatus did not play a major role in psychological distress.
Conclusion: Special attention should be paid to women in the age group of 25 years – 49 years, the unemployed, those with poor general health and people living in urban areas to address the high prevalence of psychological distress in South Africa.
Contribution: This study adds to the literature on the psychological distress amongst those living in South Africa.