Crick Lund|Alison Breen|Alan J. Flisher|Ritsuko Kakuma|Joanne Corrigall|John A. Joska|Leslie Swartz|Vikram Patel
Poverty and common mental disorders in low and middle income countries: A systematic review
University of Cape Town|University of Cape Town|University of Cape Town|Centre for Addiction and Mental Health|University of Toronto|University of Cape Town|University of Cape Town|Stellenbosch University|London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
spite high levels poverty low middle income countries lmic high burden posed common mental disorders cmd last two decades research emerged empirically addresses relationship poverty cmd countries conducted systematic review epidemiological literature lmic aim examining relationship 115 studies reviewed reported positive associations range poverty indicators cmd communitybased studies 73 79 studies reported positive associations variety poverty measures cmd 19 15 reported null associations 8 6 reported negative associations using bivariate multivariate analyses respectively however closer examination specific poverty dimensions revealed complex picture substantial variation dimensions variables education food insecurity housing social class socioeconomic status financial stress exhibit relatively consistent strong association cmd others income employment particularly consumption equivocal several measurement population factors may explain variation strength relationship poverty cmd presenting systematic review literature paper attempts shift debate questions whether poverty associated cmd lmic questions particular dimensions poverty carry strongest weakest association relatively consistent association cmd variety poverty dimensions lmic serves strengthen case inclusion mental health agenda development agencies international targets millenium development goals