Gender differences in determinants of psychological distress in South Africa: findings from the 2017 national HIV household survey

Abstract

Mental health is increasingly recognised as a public health concern in South Africa, with psychological distress used as a measure of poor mental health. A recent paper based on national data from the 2017 South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM V) highlights significant gender differences. Women were found to be more likely than men to experience psychological distress. A range of sociodemographic and behavioural factors—such as location, education, alcohol use, employment, and HIV status—contributed to this disparity.