Research Protocol - Prevalence of depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress related symptoms in the Kashmir Valley – a cross sectional study, 2015

Abstract

Primary Objective: To estimate prevalence of mental health related problems, specifically depression/anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms in Kashmir and to determine the accessibility to mental health services. Study Design: Mixed methods research design incorporating cross-sectional household survey, clinical psychiatric interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Inclusion Criteria: Participants will be included if they can meet the following criteria: • 18 years of age or older. • Able to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded from the study if they meet the following criteria: • Unable to provide verbal informed consent. • Choose to withdraw their consent. Intervention: The survey will be conducted in the Kashmiri language by interview enumeration. A sub-sample of the survey population will undergo a mini-international neuropsychiatric interview (MINI) by a trained interviewer. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions will occur concurrently with the household survey. Sample Size: 4800 probability sampled households from 10 districts, 12 households from each village. A sub-sample of 200 individuals who test positive on validated screening tests will be convenience sampled for formal psychiatric interview (MINI). Two focus group discussions will be held in each district and will be comprised of 8-10 convenience sampled participants. Primary Outcome Measure: • Point Prevalence of depression/anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms. • Qualitative data on access to mental health services and perceived needs.