The burden of depression and anxiety is poorly documented in Central African populations.

To present the epidemiology of depressive and anxiety disorders among older people in two Central African countries.

A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out in Republic of Congo (ROC) and Central African Republic (CAR) between 2011 - 2012 among people aged ≥ 65 years (EPIDEMCA study). Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and participants underwent a brief physical examination. Depression and anxiety symptoms were ascertained using a community version of the Geriatric Mental State (GMS-B3). Probable cases were defined as having a GMS-AGECAT score ≥ 3. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between potential risk factors collected and presence of at least one of both symptoms.

Overall 2002 participants were included in the EPIDEMCA study. Median age of the participants was 72 years [interquartile range: 68 – 78 years] and 61.8% were females. Prevalence was 38.1% (95% Confidence Interval: 35.9% - 40.2%) for depression, 7.7% (95% CI: 6.5% - 8.9%) for anxiety. In total 40.1% had least one of both symptoms. In multivariable models, the following factors were associated with the presence of at least one of both symptoms: female sex, residence area, frailty, cognitive disorders, a high happiness score (protective) and hypertension (adjusted Odds Ratios from 1.3 to 1.7; p<0.01).

In light of the high prevalence of both psychiatric symptoms among Central African older people, evidence on their epidemiology is important for better management and policy planning.