The Trends and Burden of Mental Disorders in South Sudan

Abstract

This article examined the trends and burden of mental disorders in South Sudan, including their prevalence across states/administrative areas and associated mortality. The study used retrospective secondary data from the South Sudan National Demographic Health Information System (DHIS), a dataset of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Mental disorder cases were diagnosed by medical personnel and classified according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), particularly descriptive statistical methods, was employed for data analysis and visualisation, while R statistical software (R Markdown) was used to examine trends and burden. The analysis provided evidence for data-driven interventions, planning, strategy development, surveillance, and effective monitoring and evaluation of mental health programmes. The findings indicated that approximately 3,000 out of every 100,000 reported NCD cases were related to mental disorders, while 5 per cent of NCD-related deaths were associated with mental disorders. Out of every 100,000 people visiting health facilities, 19,397 had experienced mental disorders, with a higher prevalence among women than men. A significant number of cases were also reported among children under five years of age. Furthermore, mental disorder cases had increased at an estimated average rate of 32 per cent over the previous three years. The study concluded that mental disorders accounted for a significant proportion of the NCD burden in South Sudan. It contributed to the understanding of mental disorders, trends and burden of diseases, health planning and management, and the application of descriptive statistical analysis in public health research. The findings provided valuable evidence for policymakers, health planners, and programme managers seeking to strengthen mental health services and interventions in South Sudan.