Lifetime prevalence of psychotic experience, and its associated factors among Senegalese women: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Psychotic experiences, which include a range of symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, is an indication of elevated risk for mental disorders and poor quality of life. These experiences are often underreported and undertreated in low- and middle-income countries, including Senegal. This study aimed to investigate the lifetime prevalence of psychotic experience, its associated factors and adverse outcomes among Senegalese women.

METHODS

This study analyzed the 2023 demographic and health survey data of 16,521 Senegalese women. Descriptive analysis, cross-tabulations, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression models were computed in STATA 18. The multivariable logistic regression analysis followed a backward stepwise approach.

RESULTS

Overall, 6,819 women (41.3% [95%CI: 38.4-44.2]) had a lifetime prevalence of psychotic experience. Referential delusions were the most prevalent (24.5%), followed by paranoid ideation (17.1%), auditory hallucinations (14.1%), bizarre delusions (13.3%), possession (12.4%), visual hallucinations (11.5%), and thought insertion/broadcasting (11.4%). The odds of psychotic experience increased consistently with age. Higher educational attainment (AOR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.61-0.88) and being currently in union were associated with lower odds of psychotic experiences (AOR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.81-0.99). A higher risk of psychotic experience was found among women who were exposed to media (AOR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.00-1.17), those in the richest wealth index (AOR = 2.33, 95%CI: 2.06-2.63), and currently employed women (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.12-1.30). Dietary habits were relevant, as consuming fried and processed food (AOR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.15-1.37) and soda and energy drinks (AOR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.03-1.27) were both associated with increased odds of psychotic experiences. Women who reported a lifetime prevalence of psychotic experience were significantly more likely to attempt suicide (AOR = 10.89; 95%CI: 7.10-16.72), anxiety (AOR = 4.64; 95%CI: 3.89-5.52), and depression (AOR = 7.39; 95%CI: 5.14-10.62).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, four out of ten women in Senegal had a lifetime prevalence of psychotic experience. These experiences increase the likelihood of anxiety, depression and suicidal attempts. We also conclude that psychotic experiences are associated with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors including age, educational level, employment status, media exposure and dietary habits. Interventions to reduce psychotic experiences should focus on education, media exposure, employment, and dietary habits.