Depressive Symptoms and Occupational Role among Female Groups: A Research in a South-East African Village

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Abstract
Background: Although the relationships between social and cultural factors and African psychopathology have largely been considered from a theoretical point of view, empirical studies are still few and far between. This paper reports the results of a mental health survey conducted in the village of Namwera (Malawi, South-East Africa) to explore the link between social conditions, in particular occupational role, and psychopathology. Methods: A modified version of the Self-Reporting Questionnaire translated into Chichewa language was administered to 161 women (23 dressmakers, 46 nurses, 92 housewives). A Socio-Anamnestic Questionnaire and a Clinical Interview were also applied. Results: Dressmakers and housewives appeared more at risk of psychological suffering than nurses. Psychosomatic symptoms are more frequent among housewives, while dressmakers show more typical depressive symptoms, including suicidal thoughts and self-blame. Conclusions: Data confirm that also in an African context, some social factors are related to depression among female groups.

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