Overview and aims:
Mental disorders account for just over 11% of the total burden of disease in low and middle income countries (LMICs), with a high prevalence of depression. Compared to high income countries (HICs), the knowledge and literature on mental health in LMICs is scarce. HIC evidence may not be generalizable to LMICs due to differences in cultural and societal exposures. Studies from LMICs are mainly cross-sectional or retrospective in design which prevents the temporal link between the outcome and the exposure cannot be determined; very little is from birth cohort data that can be used to explore causality. One of the only birth cohorts in LMICs that measures mental health is based in the Philippines. Despite this, there is very little evidence on mental health in the Philippines, particularly on risk factors across the life course and exploring socioeconomic position.
The main aim of this project is to understand the association between socioeconomic position across the life course and depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts in adulthood in the Philippines.
Sample:
The study sample is taken from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, which is a birth cohort conducted in the Philippines. The cohort were recruited in 1983 and have been followed up at various intervals since. The most recent data collection was in 2018, when the cohort were around 35 years old.
Methods:
Participants are interviewed at each data collection about multiple different topics, including variables on household assets, individual demographics, socioeconomic factors, the surrounding environment and mental health – this list is not exhaustive.
Project team:
- University of Bristol, UK: Lucy Barrass; Duleeka Knipe; Laura Howe; Theresa Redaniel
- University of San Carlos, Philippines: Nanette Lee
Funders/Supporters
This study is funded by the GW4 Biomed Doctoral Training Partnership
Publications and other outputs:
This study does not currently have any related publications or outputs. We hope to add some soon
Contact for further details: ed22025@bristol.ac.uk