Prevalence and a cross-sectional analysis of factors linked to common mental symptoms in central Kashmir

ABSTRACT Background: Mental health is a global concern. Because of Kashmir’s sociopolitical environment and susceptibility to natural calamities, self-reported mental health problems increased. Due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and scarce mental health resources, this distress remains prevalent. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with self-perceived depression and anxiety among adults in a central district of Kashmir. Methods and Materials: Following a 2-day training session for the research team, a door-to-door survey of 488 adults was carried out in 13 randomly chosen locations in one of Kashmir’s districts. After providing their informed consent and sociodemographic information, participants were asked to complete Kashmiri and Urdu-translated version of Hopkins Symptom Checklist for Anxiety and Depression (HSCL). Results: The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms was 31.76% and 28.28%, respectively, while 30.94% reported high overall psychological distress. Females had significantly higher odds of reporting anxiety (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.10–2.71). Unemployment was strongly associated with both anxiety (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.22–2.92) and depression (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.31–3.19). Members of the Other Backward Classes/Scheduled Castes were more likely to report anxiety (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.01–2.46) and emotional distress (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.08–2.59). Younger, unemployed individuals showed particularly high levels of distress. Conclusions: High prevalence of self-perceived depression and anxiety was observed, particularly among women, the unemployed, and socially marginalized groups. These findings underscore the need for community-based mental health interventions, targeted outreach to high-risk groups, and stigma reduction strategies to improve access to care and promote mental wellbeing in conflict-affected regions.