Gender-Based Violence Typology Associated with Depression,and Anxiety in Informal Settlements in Uganda

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) affects one-third of women globally and 22% in Uganda. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, GBV has increased among women in informal settlements, exacerbating poverty, vulnerability, and mental health. This study examined associations between GBV forms and depression and anxiety among women in Kampala's informal settlements. We conducted a cross-sectional, baseline survey of the SafeBangle intervention which included a sample size of 644 adolescent girls and women living in Kampala's informal settlements. Our outcomes - depression and anxiety were measured using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 screening tools. Modified Poisson regression analyzed associations between GBV forms (sexual, emotional, physical) and depression and anxiety, adjusting for perpetrator type (public or family/relatives). Among 644 participants [mean (SD) age: 27.9 ± 12.8 years], 37.0% had depression and 30.1% had anxiety. Physical GBV perpetrated in public was most prevalent (85.9%). Emotional and physical GBV in public were significantly associated with depression (adj.PRR = 1.5, 95%CI 1.2-1.9; adj.PRR = 1.6, 95%CI 1.3-1.9) and anxiety (adj.PRR = 1.7, 95%CI 1.2-2.4; adj.PRR = 1.9, 95%CI 1.5-2.5). Physical GBV perpetrated by family/relatives had higher risks of depression (adj.PRR = 1.3, 95%CI 1.1-1.7) and anxiety (adj.PRR = 1.4, 95%CI 1.1-1.9). Findings underscore the need for family- and community-based interventions and policies prioritizing mental health and GBV prevention in low-resource settings.