Prevalence and factors related to psychological distress among White Thai adults in Mai Chau, Vietnam

Background and objectives: Psychological distress is one of the greatest
health threats facing humanity and has been hypothesized to represent an
evolutionary mismatch. This hypothesis can be tested in semi-traditional
societies that are undergoing transitions to modern lifestyles. This study
used an evolutionary medicine framework to examine the predictors of
psychological distress symptomology in a semi-modern ethnic minority
village in rural Vietnam that is transitioning into a developing economy.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Chieng Sai Village
among White Thai ethnic minority adults aged 18-75. The DASS-21 scale was
used to measure the prevalence of psychological distress symptoms, and a
closed format questionnaire was used to collect data on independent
variables. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine
associated factors of psychological distress symptomology. Results: The
prevalence of psychological distress symptoms was 33.2% (depression=16.9%,
stress=16.3%). Common features of modernity, such as low levels of
exercise, boredom, and low income, showed a positive association with
psychological distress, while lifestyle features that were more similar to
those expected in the evolutionary past and that fulfilled evolutionary
adaptations, such as getting enough sleep, physical exertion, and earning
sufficient income (access to resources), showed a negative association
with psychological distress. Conclusions and Implications: This study
suggests that modern lifestyles might have generated evolutionary
mismatches that have negative impacts on mental health in Chieng Sai
Village. Future research should focus on determining the causal
relationship between psychological distress and evolutionary mismatches.
Evolutionary medicine approaches to understanding and treating
psychological distress are potential forces of disease reduction to be
considered in public health and educational
policy.