Psycho-social correlates of depression and anxiety disorder among Bhil indigenous population of India

ABSTRACT Objective Mental health of indigenous populations is a greatly understudied area in India. The study aims to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety and also to assess the association of various psycho-social variables with depression and anxiety, among the Bhil indigenous populations of India. Methods A total of 386 participants aged between 25 and 65 years who were unrelated up to first cousins belonging to Bhil indigenous population were recruited for the present study. Depression, anxiety disorder, perceived stress, perceived loneliness and perceived social support were assessed using pre-tested, translated and validated scales. Data related to socio-demographic variables were collected using pre-tested interview schedules. Results The present study reveals a very high prevalence rate of depression (35%) and anxiety disorder (29.8%) among the studied indigenous population. Psycho-social variables such as older age, disturbed marital status, unemployment, lower level of social support, higher level of perceived stress and perceived loneliness were found to be significantly associated with depression and anxiety disorder. Further analysis shows that when the adversities are combined with each other, the severity of depression and anxiety disorder increases dramatically in the studied indigenous population. Discussion Mental health problems are prevalent among indigenous populations, especially among those groups like Bhil, who are residing in close proximity to urban areas. The present study is the first population-based study on the mental health of Bhil indigenous population. The present study contributes to the limited literature on the mental health of the indigenous population in India.