Published in PLOS One on 2026-08-19, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Md Salek Miah, Jennifer Yourkavitch
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0356265
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
To identify the risk factors of depression and anxiety among ever-married Mozambican women, including rural–urban, internet-use, and province- wide geographic inequalities, and to inform mental health policy.
This study used cross-sectional design and 13,183 ever-married women aged 15−49 years from the nationally representative Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) 2022−2023. The outcome variables were assessed using the Patients Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), with score (>=10) indicating depression and anxiety respectively. Survey-weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with anxiety and depression, and results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).
Among all women, 11% reported anxiety symptoms, and 10% reported depressive symptoms. Women aged 35–39 years associated the highest odds of anxiety (aOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.48–2.87) and depression (aOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.07–2.08). Additionally, women aged 45–49 years showed the second-highest odds of anxiety (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.12–2.23), while the second-highest odds of depressive symptoms were also observed among women aged 45–49 years (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 0.92–1.89), compared with women aged 15–19 years. Age at first sex (<18 years) was significantly associated with anxiety (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.25–2.19) and depression (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.17–2.18) compared to aged ≥18 years. Women participation in decision making autonomy significantly associated with lower odds of anxiety (aOR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.54–0.83) and depression (aOR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.53–0.81). Household asset ownership of (aOR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62–0.92), and improved sanitation facilities associated with lower odds for anxiety (aOR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60–0.98) only. While, improved household materials (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.07–1.76) and internet use (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.07–1.99) were associated with higher anxiety. Geographically, women Cabo Delgado and Zambézia, Nampula consistently associated with higher odds while Gaza associated with lower odds of both anxiety and depression compared to Maputo City respectively.
Targeted mental health symptoms interventions should prioritize aged 35–49 years and high burden provinces such as Nampula strengthening women’s decision-making autonomy. Integrating routine mental health symptoms screening into reproductive and women’s health services may help decrease anxiety and depression among Mozambican women.
1. Introduction
Mental health symptoms are considered as the major causes of the global burden of disease [1]. In 2021, more than 359 million individuals diagnosed with depression and anxiety symptoms worldwide [2–4]. Depression and anxiety symptoms are associated with poor quality of life, reduced productivity, and a higher burden of comorbid physical conditions [5,6]. Biological, social and economic factors such as hormonal changes, events of reproductive and sociocultural pressures make women of reproductive age especially vulnerable [7]. Identifying determinants of anxiety and depression symptoms is very crucial for informing effective prevention and interventions roles [8,9].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider financing & policy desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Md Salek Miah, Jennifer Yourkavitch. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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