Common mental health problems among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background and aim: This review examined the prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods: The review included studies indexed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases, supplemented by a search on Google Scholar and tracking of references from articles identified. A total of 725 articles were found, of which 28 met the inclusion criteria. Finally, 22 eligible studies were reviewed.
Findings: The pooled current prevalence of mental health problems was 23% (95% CI: 18; 28, I² = 99.41%). Any depression, 19% (95% CI: 9; 30, I² = 99.64%), and anxiety, 20% (95% CI: 01; 31, I² = 99.64%), were the most common mental health problems reported. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 5% (95% CI: 3; 7, I² = 97.60%), and conduct disorders, 15% (95% CI: 8; 22, I² = 99.58%), were also significant mental health problems among adolescents in the region.
Conclusion: About one in five adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from one or more mental health problems. The findings have important implications for policy and practice as they indicate that mental health problems are a major public health issue among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa and that there is a need for effective and context-specific interventions that address mental health.