Background: Mental health disorders are a growing public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affecting women, particularly those living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Mozambique. However, data on the determinants of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in this population remain limited. This study assessed the association between socioeconomic and health-related factors and symptoms of depression, anxiety (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), and suicidal ideation among reproductive-age women in Mozambique, stratified by HIV status.
Methods: We analyzed nationally representative data from the 2022–2023 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), including 9,301 women aged 15–49 years. Bivariate associations were assessed using Chi-squared and t-tests. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify correlates of mental health outcomes.
Results: Among 9,301 reproductive-age women in Mozambique, 6.5% reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, 6.7% reported anxiety symptoms, and 2.2% endorsed suicidal ideation. HIV-positive women had a higher prevalence of all mental health symptoms compared to HIV-negative women. Poorer self-rated health, lower wealth, history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and experience of sexual violence were significantly associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. In multivariate models among HIV-positive women, younger age, lower wealth, poor self-reported health, and STI history were independently associated with higher odds of depression and anxiety. Suicidal ideation was predicted by experience of sexual violence and depressive symptom severity. Geographic disparities in mental health outcomes were also observed.
Conclusions: Mental health interventions in Mozambique should target socioeconomically disadvantaged women and integrate HIV care with mental health screening and support.
