Prevalence and Pattern of Mental Ill Health Among Divorced Women in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Context

Divorce is one of the recognized ways of dissolving marriages. Evidence from existing literature—predominantly from Western settings—indicates that divorced women experience higher rates of psychiatric illnesses compared to their married counterparts. However, the mental health status of divorced women remains under-researched in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. This study examined the prevalence and pattern of psychiatric illnesses among divorced women in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among divorced and married women in Kano. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to screen for mental ill health. Participants who scored ≥4 on the GHQ-12, as well as 10% of those who scored <4, subsequently underwent assessment using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 6.0.0). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square test was used to determine associations between marital status and psychiatric diagnoses.

Results

A total of 300 women aged 15–60 years participated (150 divorced, 150 married). Psychiatric illness was significantly more prevalent among divorced women (58.7%) than married women (34.7%), p < 0.001, with an odds ratio of 2.7 (1.7–4.3). Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) was the most common diagnosis—25.3% among divorced women and 18.0% among married women—followed by depression (23.3% vs. 10.7%, respectively). Comorbid GAD with depression was also more frequent among divorced women (10.0%) compared to married women (6.0%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Psychiatric illnesses were significantly more common among divorced women than married women in Kano. GAD was the most prevalent diagnosis, followed by depression and comorbid GAD with depression. Public health interventions are needed to address the mental health needs of divorced women, with emphasis on screening, early diagnosis, and psychosocial support.