Written by Professor Stephen Mashingaidze and Rumbidzai Mukori-William for BonVie Medical Aid scheme
Zimbabwe has a population of approximately 7.5 million women, who face numerous health challenges. According to the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (2015), common health issues affecting women include maternal mortality (651 deaths per 100,000 live births)[1], HIV prevalence (16.4% among women aged 15-49)[1], cervical cancer (highest incidence in Southern Africa)[2], and mental health disorders (affecting 1 in 5 women)[3]. This article explores key areas impacting women’s health in Zimbabwe: Reproductive Health, Mental Health, Women’s Health across Life Stages, and Lifestyle Factors, with an epidemiological perspective.
Genetics and Mental Health: A Family Affair
Mental health issues can run in families, with genetics playing a significant role. Research suggests that individuals with a family history of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or psychosis, are more likely to experience mental health issues themselves. Many families are experiencing severe mental health issues across multiple generations, particularly among younger adults (20-46 years). Taking a preventative approach is key, for young adults with a history of mental health challenges, as it prevents long term impacts of mental illness and relapse at a later stage in life such as pregnancy. Understanding the symptoms of mental health challenges is the first step to prevention. Symptoms such as mood changes, problems in sleeping or feeling tired on waking up, intense anxiety, withdrawal from family or friends and not finding pleasure in activities that once made one happy.
The Interplay between Nutrition and Mental Health
Nutrition plays a critical role in mental health, with deficiencies in essential nutrients contributing to mental health issues (1). In Zimbabwe, many women experience food insecurity, leading to malnutrition and exacerbating mental health concerns (2). In South Africa, the high prevalence of obesity and diabetes contributes to mental health issues, while in the UK, the growing trend of ultra-processed food consumption is linked to increased rates of depression and anxiety (3, 4, 5).
Key Factors Contributing to mental health challenges:
- Poverty and Economic Hardship – Limited access to education, healthcare, and resources. Poverty exacerbates mental health issues, as women struggle to access basic needs like food, water, and healthcare.
- Low Educational Attainment: Poor cognitive reserve and increased vulnerability to dementia
- Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression contributing to cognitive decline
- Limited Access to Healthcare: Inadequate healthcare services and support for dementia patients.
- Food Insecurity: Food insecurity is a significant concern in Zimbabwe, contributing to malnutrition and mental health issues (13).
- Stigma and Shame: Mental health issues are often stigmatized, preventing women from seeking help. Stigma perpetuates silence and shame, further entrenching mental health inequalities.
- Dementia: Younger adults are being diagnosed with dementia, often linked to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Efforts to Address Mental Health
- Alternative healthcare interventions, such as faith-based approaches, can complement conventional mental health treatments (6). In Zimbabwe, many women find solace in their faith and the support of their church community, with Pastors often providing counseling and guidance (7).
- Friendship Bench Zimbabwe: A community-based initiative training grandmothers to provide problem-solving therapy and support (14).
- UK NHS: Provides mental health services, including alternative therapies (15).
- Challenge stigma and promote mental health literacy through public awareness campaigns.
- Dietary Lifestyle to Prevent Mental Health Issues: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can help prevent mental health issues. Key foods include fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, whole grains, legumes, and fermented foods.
Conclusion
Mental health is a sensitive topic and one which needs to be addressed with care, as it can have long term impacts on women if not addressed well. Being aware of symptoms is the first step towards recovery and prevention of mental health challenges using a holistic approach. Solutions are no longer one sided, but multi dimensional and each part plays a key role in ensuring that outcomes have a higher success rate and escalation of mental health is prevented long term.
References:
1. World Health Organization (2019). Mental health and nutrition.
2. Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (2015).
3. South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2018).
4. UK National Health Service (2020). Mental health and nutrition.
5. UK Office for National Statistics (2020). Mental health and lifestyle.
6. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2020). Mindfulness-based interventions for mental health.
7. Zimbabwe Council of Churches (2022). Mental Health and Faith.
8. Zimbabwe Mental Health Awareness Campaign (2022).
9. South African Mental Health Awareness Campaign (2022).
10. UK Mental Health Awareness Campaign (2022).
11. Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (2020). Mental Health Services.
12. South African Department of Health (2020). Mental Health Services.
13. UK National Health Service (2020). Mental Health Services.
14. Friendship Bench Zimbabwe (2022).
15. UK National Health Service (2022).
