J. Broadhead et al., Social support and life events as risk factors for depression amongst women in an urban setting in Zimbabwe, SOC PSY PSY, 36(3), 2001, pp. 115-122
Background: This paper explores the applicability of a psychosocial model o
f depression in an African setting. Method: Of a random sample of women (n
= 172) from a Zimbabwean township, 79 had a severe life event in the year b
efore interview. Twenty-nine who had an onset of depression were compared w
ith 50 who did not. Results: Having crisis support following a severe life
event reduced the risk of onset of depression. The effect of crisis support
was confounded by the number of severe events in the study year, but just
persisted following adjustment for number of severe events and for socio-de
mographic factors. Women received crisis support more often from relatives
than from partners or friends. The following variables were independently a
ssociated with onset of depression following a severe life event: number of
life events in the previous 6 months, age, being in formal employment, hav
ing crisis support and separation from mother in childhood. Conclusion: Thi
s study supports the ubiquity of the social support construct. For Zimbabwe
, the data suggest that crisis support from family members may be of partic
ular importance in protecting against onset of depression.