Understanding the complex relationship between multidimensional poverty and depressive symptoms among young South Africans: A cross-sectional study.
Depression
Deprivation
Multidimensional poverty
NEET
South Africa
Youth
Journal
Journal of affective disorders
ISSN: 1573-2517
Titre abrégé: J Affect Disord
Pays: Netherlands
ID NLM: 7906073
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
15 12 2022
15 12 2022
Historique:
received:
17
02
2022
revised:
10
09
2022
accepted:
20
09
2022
pubmed:
28
9
2022
medline:
16
11
2022
entrez:
27
9
2022
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
We use the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to explore how different dimensions of poverty more directly linked to young people are associated with depressive symptoms among South African youth. Data came from the 2017 wave of the nationally-representative National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) in South Africa. We focused on a sample of 15-24-year-olds whose depressive symptoms were assessed using an adapted version of the 10-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. We examine how individual dimensions and indicators of the MPI relate to depression, in comparison to more conventional measures, including household income, subjective social standing, overcrowding and personal assets. Cross-sectional analyses were adjusted for clustering to account for sampling design. The MPI index was not associated with probable depression (OR = 1.02, 95 % CI 0.81-1.29). Only lack of access to the labour market emerged as a key individual dimension associated with probable depression (OR = 5.29, 95 % CI 1.70-16.47), a relationship driven by an increased odds for those not in employment, education or training. Lack of household assets, living in an informal dwelling and lower perceived social standing were also associated with increased odds for depression. No gender differences were noted. The study is cross-sectional and not suitable to examine the causal nature of the association between multidimensional poverty and depression. Poverty dimensions that measure youth's access to employment or training have a strong association with depression. Further research is needed to assess whether improved access to employment or training contributes to improving mental health among young South Africans.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
We use the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to explore how different dimensions of poverty more directly linked to young people are associated with depressive symptoms among South African youth.
METHODS
Data came from the 2017 wave of the nationally-representative National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) in South Africa. We focused on a sample of 15-24-year-olds whose depressive symptoms were assessed using an adapted version of the 10-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. We examine how individual dimensions and indicators of the MPI relate to depression, in comparison to more conventional measures, including household income, subjective social standing, overcrowding and personal assets. Cross-sectional analyses were adjusted for clustering to account for sampling design.
RESULTS
The MPI index was not associated with probable depression (OR = 1.02, 95 % CI 0.81-1.29). Only lack of access to the labour market emerged as a key individual dimension associated with probable depression (OR = 5.29, 95 % CI 1.70-16.47), a relationship driven by an increased odds for those not in employment, education or training. Lack of household assets, living in an informal dwelling and lower perceived social standing were also associated with increased odds for depression. No gender differences were noted.
LIMITATIONS
The study is cross-sectional and not suitable to examine the causal nature of the association between multidimensional poverty and depression.
CONCLUSIONS
Poverty dimensions that measure youth's access to employment or training have a strong association with depression. Further research is needed to assess whether improved access to employment or training contributes to improving mental health among young South Africans.
Identifiants
pubmed: 36167243
pii: S0165-0327(22)01107-7
doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.101
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
352-360Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflict of interest.