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Purpose <p>Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide, yet studies on this issue are scarce in Lesotho. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of MDD symptoms, as well as help-seeking behavior among participants with MDD symptoms in Lesotho.</p> Methods <p>This study utilized data from the nationally representative, cross-sectional Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) 2023–2024. MDD symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), with scores of 10 or above classified as present. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with MDD symptoms, accounting for the hierarchical nature of the data.</p> Results <p>Among the 6,481 respondents, the weighted prevalence of MDD symptoms was 6.3% (95% CI: 5.5, 7.2), with women (7.4%) experiencing a notably higher burden than men (5.2%). Specifically, women had 75% (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.35, 2.27) higher odds of MDD symptoms compared to men. Individuals residing in households with fewer than four people and those who used tobacco were also more likely to experience MDD symptoms. Conversely, rural residence was associated with a 45% lower likelihood of MDD symptoms (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.77). Geographic disparities were evident, with Mohale’s Hoek showing higher odds (AOR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.82, 5.58) and Mokhotlong showing lower odds (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.97) than Maseru. Among individuals experiencing MDD symptoms, only 22.5% sought any form of help, and just 6.5% reported using medication for their condition.</p> Conclusion <p>This study highlights a substantial mental health burden in Lesotho, with MDD symptoms influenced by sociodemographic and geographic factors. Low help-seeking rates emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive mental health strategies. Recommendations include strengthening community-based care, integrating mental health into primary care, reducing stigma through awareness, and improving service accessibility and affordability, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations.</p>

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Prevalence, determinants, and Help-Seeking behavior for major depressive disorder symptoms in the Lesotho population: A multilevel analysis from the Lesotho demographic and health survey 2023-24

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月24日

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  • Syed Toukir Ahmed Noor,
  • Samin Yeasar,
  • Sazid Siddique,
  • Oishi Das,
  • Shahib-Ul-Ahadat Tanvir,
  • Raisha Binte Islam

摘要

Purpose

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide, yet studies on this issue are scarce in Lesotho. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of MDD symptoms, as well as help-seeking behavior among participants with MDD symptoms in Lesotho.

Methods

This study utilized data from the nationally representative, cross-sectional Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) 2023–2024. MDD symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), with scores of 10 or above classified as present. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with MDD symptoms, accounting for the hierarchical nature of the data.

Results

Among the 6,481 respondents, the weighted prevalence of MDD symptoms was 6.3% (95% CI: 5.5, 7.2), with women (7.4%) experiencing a notably higher burden than men (5.2%). Specifically, women had 75% (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.35, 2.27) higher odds of MDD symptoms compared to men. Individuals residing in households with fewer than four people and those who used tobacco were also more likely to experience MDD symptoms. Conversely, rural residence was associated with a 45% lower likelihood of MDD symptoms (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.77). Geographic disparities were evident, with Mohale’s Hoek showing higher odds (AOR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.82, 5.58) and Mokhotlong showing lower odds (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.97) than Maseru. Among individuals experiencing MDD symptoms, only 22.5% sought any form of help, and just 6.5% reported using medication for their condition.

Conclusion

This study highlights a substantial mental health burden in Lesotho, with MDD symptoms influenced by sociodemographic and geographic factors. Low help-seeking rates emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive mental health strategies. Recommendations include strengthening community-based care, integrating mental health into primary care, reducing stigma through awareness, and improving service accessibility and affordability, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations.