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Epidemiological aspects of psychiatric disorder in a Dutch health area

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Paul Hodiamont*
Affiliation:
Departments of Social Medicine, Sociology and Psychiatry, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Nelly Peer
Affiliation:
Departments of Social Medicine, Sociology and Psychiatry, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands
No Syben
Affiliation:
Departments of Social Medicine, Sociology and Psychiatry, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr. P. Hodiamont, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Synopsis

A two-phase study of psychiatric prevalence has been carried out among the inhabitants (aged 18–64) of a Dutch health area (Nijmegen). In phase 1, a random sample of 3232 persons answered the GHQ–30 (response rate:75%). In phase 2,486 of the respondents were interviewed withthe full PSE within two weeks. The relationship of PSE-‘caseness’ (ID ≥ 5) and GHQ score was expressed in a logistic regression model, the parameters of which showed strong agreement with the Canberra results, for all socio-demographic variables examined, except for urbanization. means of the logistic model the point-prevalence of PSE cases was calculated at 7·3% (range5·5%-9·2%).

Prevalence did not differ significantly in men and women. Higher case rates were found in age category of 55–59 years, among divorced and widowed persons, the lower educational and occupational levels, the unemployed, chronically ill and unable to work, and with city people. This study adds further evidence to a growing body of epidemiological data suggesting similar rates and patterns of psychiatric disorder in populations in industrialized countries.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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