Description

MHSEEKSHELP (MTH17) indicates whether the woman sought help for mental health symptom(s) she experienced in the past 2 weeks. This question was asked of women who experienced at least one symptom of depression or anxiety “rarely,” “often,” or “always” in the previous fortnight.

Nine questions about depression symptoms and seven questions about anxiety symptoms define the universe (who was asked the question) for MHSEEKHELP; see DEPRESSIONSCORE and GADSCORE for details. Researchers thus have the option of further restricting the question universe (e.g., women who were “always” sad rather than “rarely” sad). Researchers can also refer back to these component variables to evaluate how the number and severity of depression/anxiety symptoms affected health-seeking behavior.

Comparability

Apart from universe differences, MHSEEKHELP (MTH17) has no comparability problems.

Comparability - Standard DHS

MHSEEKHELP (MTH17) is a standard variable that is part of the optional Mental Health module introduced in DHS Phase 8.

Universe