Psychological distress in South Africa: analysis of 2017 national household survey data

The prevalence of psychological distress in South Africa requires updated estimates. This article aims to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with non-specific psychological distress at a national level in South Africa in 2017. The study utilized data from a 2017 nationally representative, cross-sectional, population-based household survey. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 36 609 individuals, aged ≥15 years. Prevalence of psychological distress, using the Kessler-10 scale, was varied by demographics, health status, substance use and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Chi-square tests, univariate analyses and a multivariate logistic model were constructed. Collinearity between independent variables was assessed. Almost half (47%) of the respondents could be classified as psychologically distressed. Higher levels of psychological distress were observed for women (52.6%), among those aged 25 years – 49 years (53.8%), black Africans (84.2%), those with secondary school level of education (64.1%), unmarried people (73.7%) and those residing in urban areas (63.5%). The multivariate logistic regression model found significant differences for sex, self-reported health status, alcohol use, employment status and locality. Human immunodeficiency virus serostatus did not play a major role in psychological distress. Special attention should be paid to women in the age group of 25 years – 49 years, the unemployed, those with poor general health and people living in urban areas to address the high prevalence of psychological distress in South Africa. This study adds to the literature on the psychological distress amongst those living in South Africa.