Determinants of depression in women with chronic disease: Evidence from a sample of poor loan takers from Pakistan

Abstract

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems in Pakistani women, with prevalence rates estimated to be above 30%. Identification of the determinants of depression in chronically ill, poor, and debt‐ridden women of the country is a neglected area. A quantitative survey using standardized tools was used to sample women from across Pakistan. It was found that women had higher odds of depression when they (a) perceived unfavorable self‐health, (b) had less health decision‐making power, (c) encountered difficulties in healthcare services, and (d) faced food insecurity. Key reforms are recommended to improve state protection policies, mental healthcare services, and cultural support for disadvantaged women in the country.