Psychological distress categories
Data table
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Estimates based on 7,366 respondents in NSW. 27 (0.37%) were 'not stated' 'not stated' (Don't know or Refused) for psychological distress. Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler 10 (K10), a 10-item questionnaire about the level of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the most recent 4-week period. The categories are K10 scores: low=10-15, moderate=16-21, high=22-29 and very high=30+.
Source
NSW Population Health Survey (HOIST). Centre for Epidemiology and Research, NSW Department of Health.
Commentary
Psychological distress has a major effect on the ability of people to work, study, and manage their day-to-day activities. In Australia in 2004-05, the most common mental and behavioural problems reported in the National Health Survey were mood (affective) problems and anxiety-related problems, each of which were reported by approximately 4% of males and 6% of female respondents (ABS, 2006).
The NSW Health Survey uses a 10-item questionnaire, the Kessler 10 (or K10), to yield a measure of psychological distress, based on questions about negative emotional states experienced by respondents in the four weeks prior to interview, producing results which can be compared with national figures. There is a strong association between K10 scores and the diagnosis of anxiety and depression based on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) used by medical services (ABS, 2003).
In 2007, around two-thirds of the NSW population aged 16 years and over reported low levels of psychological distress (69.9% of males and 62.0% of females). High or very high levels of psychological distress were more commonly reported in NSW by females (13.2%) than by males (10.9%). This pattern is consistent with the findings of national surveys (ABS, 2006). Physical problems were the cause of psychological distress all or most of the time in the last four weeks in 33.1% of males and 21.7% of females reporting high and very high levels of psychological distress in the NSW Health Survey 2007. (CER, 2007).
For more information
Centre for Epidemiology and Research. 2007 Report on adult health in New South Wales. Sydney: NSW Department of Health, 2008. Available at www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/survey/hsurvey.html
Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey 2004-05: Summary of results. ABS Cat. NO. 4364.0 Canberra: ABS, 2006. Available at www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/4364.02004-05?OpenDocument.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. Information Paper: Use of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale in ABS Health Surveys.. Catalogue no. 4817.0.55.001. Canberra: ABS, 2003. Available at www.abs.gov.au.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey 2001: Mental health. ABS Catalogue no. 4811.0. Canberra: ABS 2003.
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Copyright notice
This work is copyright NSW Department of Health, 2006. It may be reproduced in whole or in part, subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgement of the source. Commercial usage or sale is prohibited.
Suggested citation
Population Health Division. The health of the people of New South Wales - Report of the Chief Health Officer. Sydney: NSW Department of Health. Available at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/chorep/. Accessed (insert date of access).
Produced by
Centre for Epidemiology and Research, Population Health Division, NSW Department of Health.
Last updated on 15 December 2008
