LAUSR

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate common mental disorders among Tajik migrant and non-migrant wives in a primary care centre. Using a cross sectional design, quantitative surveys using standard questionnaires were administered to 300 married Tajik women aged 18–45 in Dushanbe. Descriptive and multivariate analyses described the demographic and mental health patterns, and comparison of key sub-groups, using Chi-square, t-test and regression. A total of 26% of women in primary care had moderate or severe depression, 17% had moderate or severe anxiety and 20% had moderate or severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Lifetime physical or emotional abuse was reported in 22% and women with lifetime physical or emotional abuse had higher depression, anxiety and PTSD scores. Significant multivariate associations predicted the following risk factors: for depression (R2 = .40): higher number of people you live with, older age of woman, and migrant husband; for anxiety (R2 = .41): more direct trauma and older age of woman; for PTSD (R2 = .48): lower number of people you live with, more direct trauma, older age of woman, higher number of children, non-migrant husband and lifetime emotional or physical abuse. Mental health interventions are needed in primary care settings for women with common mental disorders, including those exposed to trauma and migration.