The finding from the current study showed that estimated prevalence of Common mental disorder was 24.7% it was in line with studies done in Britain at different study settings 24.6% and 24.2%(14, 15) and study done Illibabure was reported 27.2%(27) possible reason might be the nature of illness and same instrument used.
This study was found to be higher from studies done in Europe like Greece’s ,Sweden ranges from 14-17.2% and eastern Asia was 8.8%(16–18). The difference could be cultural difference and socioeconomic and in Keneya10.8%, (19) and Nigeria 5.8% (21) the reason could be the tool (CIS-R,CIDI). And in Ethiopia, Butajira (17%), Harar (14.9%), Hadiy a(11.2%) and in Addis Ababa (11.7%).(22, 23, 25) and The higher prevalence might be those studies done within the past two decades, through this period of time there have been a considerable changes in the nature of modern urbanization and socio-cultural status of the community. This deference might be due to cut off point of the tool SRQ-20 varied.
This study was found to be lower from studies done in South Africa (34.9%) (20) and study in Ethiopia such as Kombolich32.4% and Jima 33.4 %(26, 28) and this deference might be due to cut off point of the tool SRQ-20 varied and explained by population difference.
Regarding independent predictors of Common mental disorder were female, widowed/divorce in marital status, daily labour workers and chronic medical illness were found to be independent predictors of CMD and also educational status (primary, secondary school and diploma holders) are positively associated with CMD.
Females were 2.1 time more likely to develop Common mental disorder than males. this findings supported by different studies like in Ethiopia, Greece, and South Africa((17, 20, 23, 27)) possible reason could be females are deprived of schooling and receive burden of social and household responsibility than males and also they are highly vulnerable for physical and sexual abuse. In addition to this low socio-economic status of females might have predispose them to higher risk for common mental disorders. On the other hand hormonal difference may also play important role.
Divorced/widowed in marital status were 2.55 time more likely to develop Common mental disorder than single this finding supported by study conducted in, Santiago,Chiiy.(13). the possible reason could be household responsibilities, supporting family financially falling to one person which is biggest challenge and it may predispose them to emotional and physical strain.
Daily labourer was 2.52 time more likely to develop Common mental disorder than governmental employee the possible reason could be there monthly income is insufficient and not secured for not lose job can lead to stressful and unsafe situation, which might trigger CMDs. Based on different theories low income can be also explained in part of poverty, people experiencing poverty face difficulties to fulfil basic needs, it interfered with their ability to participate in productive activity, contribute to significant stigma and hampered their abilities to build and sustain social relationships
Regarding educational status the odds of developing Common mental disorder who finished primary school, secondary school and diploma holders were decreased by 61%,66% and 65% compared to degree holder the possible reason could be having formal education increase access to the most professional jobs, decrease vulnerability and insecurity and enhance social capital.(34) WHO (1994) A user’s guide to the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ).Geneva.
Those who has history of chronic medical illness 4.5 times more likely to develop Common mental disorder than those who hasn't history of chronic medical illness. This finding is in line with study done in Kenya, Taiwan and Brazil(3, 16, 19)[23, 20, 3] respectively Those who are living with chronic physical illness might have limited daily activity, experience dissatisfaction in life which may expose them for depression and anxiety; therefore, it might have increased the risk of acquiring CMDs..
Limitation of the Study
This study has restraint because of design: cross sectional has prevented us from reporting the casual relationship of the associations we found and social desirability bias might affect.