Abstract
Abstract
Background
Mental health disorders are the primary driver of the global disease burden among young people, yet nationally representative data for Central Asia remains scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of potential depression, anxiety, and suicidality among the young population in the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2024 Kazakhstan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), a nationally representative, multi-stage probability sample. Potential depression and anxiety were screened using the PHQ-2 and GAD-2 instruments (cut-off ≥ 3), while suicidality was assessed via self-reported thoughts (past two weeks) or attempts (past 12 months). Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated, and modified Poisson regression models identified independent sociodemographic risk factors. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were estimated to quantify the impact of associated risks.
Findings
We included 5,079 individuals aged 15–24 years. The weighted national prevalence was 1.70% (95%CI = 1.31–2.08) for potential depression, 1.59% (95%CI = 1.23–1.96) for potential anxiety, and 0.96% (95%CI = 0.65–1.27) for potential suicidality among the population aged 15–24 years. In adjusted analyses, female sex was the strongest predictor of both potential depression (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 2.72, 95%CI = 1.55–4.79) and anxiety (aRR = 2.80, 95%CI = 1.58–4.96). Non-Kazakh ethnicity was also significantly associated with an increased risk of depression (aRR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.17–3.02) and anxiety (aRR = 1.99, 95%CI = 1.28–3.11). PAFs indicated that female sex accounted for 45.6% and 46.8% of the risk for depression and anxiety, respectively. No significant sociodemographic correlates were identified for suicidality.
Conclusion
These findings provide the first nationally representative benchmarks for youth mental health in Kazakhstan. While prevalence rates are lower than global averages, the marked disparities by sex and ethnicity highlight the need for targeted, culturally sensitive mental health interventions. Strengthening early detection and resource allocation for these vulnerable subgroups is essential to meet national and Sustainable Development Goal targets.