Over 300,000 depressed in Rakai, Masaka
Mar 27, 2009
OVER 300,000 people in Rakai and Masaka districts suffer from depression, according to a survey. The mental health survey that was carried out last year indicated that about 24% of the population in the two districts showed symptoms of depression.
By Francis Kagolo and Stella Naigino
OVER 300,000 people in Rakai and Masaka districts suffer from depression, according to a survey. The mental health survey that was carried out last year indicated that about 24% of the population in the two districts showed symptoms of depression.
It attributed the problem to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the region. Rakai, which neighbours Masaka, is where Uganda’s first cases of the disease were discovered in the early 1980s.
The district also has the highest number of orphans due to the disease.
The research was conducted by the World Vision and John Hopkins University, a US-based research academy.
The report added that depression had prevented residents from working, participating in community functions and caring for themselves, children and family members.
It said the problem could hinder further development in the districts.
“The situation is made worse by lack of doctors and the high cost of medication in the rural areas,†said the report.
To curb the situation, the World Vision and Makerere University on Thursday launched a two-year project to train counsellors, who would be deployed in the region.
OVER 300,000 people in Rakai and Masaka districts suffer from depression, according to a survey. The mental health survey that was carried out last year indicated that about 24% of the population in the two districts showed symptoms of depression.
It attributed the problem to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the region. Rakai, which neighbours Masaka, is where Uganda’s first cases of the disease were discovered in the early 1980s.
The district also has the highest number of orphans due to the disease.
The research was conducted by the World Vision and John Hopkins University, a US-based research academy.
The report added that depression had prevented residents from working, participating in community functions and caring for themselves, children and family members.
It said the problem could hinder further development in the districts.
“The situation is made worse by lack of doctors and the high cost of medication in the rural areas,†said the report.
To curb the situation, the World Vision and Makerere University on Thursday launched a two-year project to train counsellors, who would be deployed in the region.