Mental health literacy of school-going adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: a regional systematic review protocol

Sodi, Tholene; Quarshie, Emmanuel Nii‐Boye; Asante, Kwaku Oppong; Radzilani-Makatu, Makondelele; Makgahlela, Mpsanyana; Nkoana, Shai; Mutambara, Julia

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063687

BMJ Open

2022

DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063687

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Mental health literacy of school-going adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: a regional systematic review protocol

Tholene Sodi

Emmanuel Nii‐Boye Quarshie

Kwaku Oppong Asante

et al.

Abstract: IntroductionAssessing mental health literacy has implications for the identification and treatment of mental health problems. Adolescents have been identified as a particularly important target group for initiating and improving mental health literacy. However, much of what we know about adolescent mental health literacy comes from high-income countries. This proposed review seeks to synthesise the available published primary evidence from sub-Saharan Africa on the status and measurement of mental health liter… Show more

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2024

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Cited by 3 publications

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Adolescent mental health services in West Africa: a comparative analysis of Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger

Amenah,

Ibrahim,

Tapsoba

et al. 2024

Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health

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Background Adolescent mental health (AMH) is a critical issue worldwide, particularly in West Africa, where it is intensified by socio-economic, cultural, and security challenges. Insecurity and the presence of mining sites expose adolescents to hazardous environments, substance abuse, and adulterated alcohol, further aggravating their mental health. Despite these severe issues, research on AMH in this region remains limited. This study aims to analyze the provision of AMH services in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger, highlighting the unique challenges these countries face within the broader West African healthcare context. Methods The study adopted a multi-stage, stratified sampling design to collect data from primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in the three countries. Using STATA.17, Descriptive analysis was conducted on the data related to availability of AMH services, types of mental health disorders treated, resources available, and OPD attendance rates. The analysis also incorporated factors such as the rural-urban divide and the presence of national guidelines for AMH services. Results The findings reveal a significant shortfall in the provision of AMH services across the region, with less than 30% of PHCs across all the countries offering these services. The study also highlights a pronounced rural-urban disparity in AMH service availability, a general absence of national guidelines for AMH care, and low OPD attendance rates. Conclusion The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policy reform and targeted interventions to enhance AMH services in West Africa. Key policy reforms should include the development and implementation of national guidelines for AMH care and integration of AMH services into primary healthcare. Additionally, efforts should focus on capacity building through the training of mental health professionals, increasing public awareness to reduce stigma, and ensuring equitable resource allocation across rural and urban areas. Improving AMH care is essential not only for the well-being of adolescents but also for driving broader socio-economic development in the region.

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Adolescent mental health services in West Africa: a comparative analysis of Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger

Amenah,

Ibrahim,

Tapsoba

et al. 2024

Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health

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Mental health issues and the association of mental health literacy among adolescents in urban Ethiopia

Hassen,

Behera,

Behera

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Background Epidemiological evidence about the prevalence of adolescent mental health issues and their association with mental health literacy is crucial for sustained mental health promotion strategies. Adolescence is a critical life stage for mental health promotion. However, evidence is not available among Ethiopian school adolescents. Hence, the present study examined the prevalence of adolescents’ mental health issues and their correlation with mental health literacy. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents (grades 5–12) in Dire Dawa city, Eastern Ethiopia using multistage random sampling. Data was collected using the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire, WHO-5 well-being index, and mental health literacy questionnaire. SPSS version 25 was used for the descriptive, Chi-square, binary logistic regression, and correlation analyses. Results Between 14.0–24.5% of adolescents had reported mental health problems: internalizing problems (14.9–28.8%), emotional problems (10.4–25.5%), and peer relationship problems (17.8–25.5%). These mental health problems were significantly greater among adolescents who had either themselves or their family members used psychoactive substances (p≤0.05). Females from upper elementary (5–8 grade) and lower secondary (9–10) grade levels had a higher prevalence of mental health problems (AOR: 2.60 (0.95–7.10, p<0.05)). The effect of age, parental education, or employment status was insignificant (p>0.05). The prevalence of depression ranged from 18.0–25.5%. Mental health literacy was negatively correlated with total difficulties scores and positively associated with mental well-being scores (p<0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of adolescents’ mental health problems was higher. It implied that promoting mental health literacy could enhance adolescents’ positive mental health. Intervention programs should prioritize vulnerable groups and individuals reporting symptoms of mental health difficulties. Future studies should involve qualitative studies and consider effect of other determinants.

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An exploratory cross-cultural study of community-based health literacy interventions to promote the mental well-being of disadvantaged and disabled young Africans: a multi-method approach

Sharpe,

Rajabi,

Mesa

et al. 2024

Front. Psychiatry

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BackgroundThis study explores the impact of community-based health literacy interventions on the health and mental well-being of disadvantaged young Africans in Zambia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and South Africa. The pandemic has exacerbated mental health problems amongst children and young people, underscoring the urgent need for equitable access to mental healthcare resources. Emphasizing the importance of equitable access to mental healthcare resources, the research addresses educational and income disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly amongst young Africans with disabilities or vulnerabilities.MethodsThe study comprised 1,624 young Africans, of whom 1,592 were surveyed, while 191 later participated in in-depth interviews and focus groups. Additionally, 32 participants exclusively joined focus groups. Participants were recruited to complete the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS), WHO-5 Well-being Index, Pandemic Anxiety Scale (PAS), and Self-rating of Happiness, as well as semi-structured interviews or focus groups.ResultsThe findings highlight the significance of tailored health literacy interventions in addressing mental health challenges and promoting well-being in marginalized African communities. In the sample, 43.1% (686) reported to have at least a physical disability or serious health condition and 51.4% (818) had special educational needs (SENs). Mental health scores were significantly lower in participants with two or more physical disabilities and pre-existing mental health problems. Factors significantly associated with poor mental health included poor health literacy, physical disabilities, and pre-existing mental health problems. Four main themes were generated from the thematic analysis: early childhood trajectories and mental illness experiences; positionality, open communication, and mental illness experience; mental illness experience, emotional honesty, and social stratification; and spirituality, cultural beliefs, and mental illness experience.ConclusionThe study emphasizes the need for context-specific, culturally appropriate health literacy interventions to support the mental health and well-being of young Africans in LMICs. By focusing on the lived experiences of disadvantaged groups, the research contributes to a better understanding of effective strategies for promoting health literacy and addressing health inequalities in African communities during and after health emergencies.

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Mental health literacy of school-going adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: a regional systematic review protocol

Cited by 3 publications

References 66 publications

Adolescent mental health services in West Africa: a comparative analysis of Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger

Adolescent mental health services in West Africa: a comparative analysis of Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger

Mental health issues and the association of mental health literacy among adolescents in urban Ethiopia

An exploratory cross-cultural study of community-based health literacy interventions to promote the mental well-being of disadvantaged and disabled young Africans: a multi-method approach

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