Gender and Depression: Three Perspectives from Low-and Middle-Income Settings

Abstract

Mental health disorders are a major contributor to the global burden of disease. The vast majority of mental health research is conducted in high income settings and may not translate to low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). Developing effective mental health interventions, programs, and policies requires a holistic understanding of the determinants and consequences of mental illness in the setting in which they are implemented. While there is growing research on the social determinants of mental health, particularly gender inequality, further research is needed on the intersection of mental health, gender, and socioeconomic deprivation. Using qualitative and quantitative methods and examining the role of gender, this dissertation investigates different aspects of depression in very different three LMIC settings and reflects on implications for future mental health programming.