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Tinsae T, Shumet S, Takelle GM, Rtbey G, Melkam M, Andualem F, Nakie G, Segon T, Koye S, Fentahun S, Alemu WG, Tadesse G. The burden and its determinants of mental health distress among adolescents dwelling in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:90. [PMID: 39026288 PMCID: PMC11264719 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00782-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent mental health issues are emerging as a significant public health concern across many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa. This study aims to evaluate the aggregated prevalence and contributing risk factors of mental health distress among adolescents in Africa. METHODOLOGY A comprehensive search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and HINARI databases was conducted to identify relevant articles on the prevalence and risk factors associated with mental health distress among African adolescents, published up to December 2023. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Heterogeneity among the studies was evaluated using the I² statistical test. Potential publication bias was assessed through a funnel plot and Egger's statistical test. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO under reference number CRD42023494665. RESULTS Eighteen studies encompassing data from 37,016 adolescents were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of mental health distress among adolescents in Africa was found to be 27.34% (95% CI: 23.18-31.50). The occurrence of mental health distress is observed in older adolescents at a prevalence of 29.44% (95% CI: 23.26-35.66) and in younger adolescents at 24.73% (95% CI: 11.96-37.51). Significant risk factors identified included bullying victimization, with an odds ratio (POR) of 1.30 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.46), and experiencing hunger, with an odds ratio (POR) of 2.10 (95% CI: 1.13, 3.91). CONCLUSION The findings indicate a high prevalence of mental health distress among adolescents in Africa, highlighting the widespread impact on this demographic. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent and address mental health distress among adolescents. Further research on a global scale is essential to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies tailored to this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Techilo Tinsae
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Shegaye Shumet
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Girmaw Medfu Takelle
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Gidey Rtbey
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mamaru Melkam
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Fantahun Andualem
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Girum Nakie
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Segon
- Department of Psychiatry, Mettu University, Metu, Ethiopia
| | - Selam Koye
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Setegn Fentahun
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wondale Getinet Alemu
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Gebresilassie Tadesse
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Anyanwu MU. Psychological distress in adolescents: prevalence and its relation to high-risk behaviors among secondary school students in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:5. [PMID: 36624544 PMCID: PMC9830719 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological distress among adolescents negatively affects their academic performance, relationships with family and friends, and ability to participate fully in the community. Stressful life events in low-income countries and risk-taking behavior of adolescents have raised concerns regarding the impact of psychological distress among adolescents. Therefore, the present study estimated the prevalence of psychological distress and examined the high-risk behaviors associated with psychological distress among Ugandan adolescents. METHODS A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among secondary school students in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda. Multistage cluster sampling was used to recruit 921 adolescents from 12 schools. Psychological distress was assessed using the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Logistic regression was used with p-value estimating regression coefficient and 95% confidence interval for odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio (AOR). RESULTS The prevalence of psychological distress using the K10 was 57%. Logistic regression analyses showed that risky sexual behavior [AOR = 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-2.28], substance use (AOR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.49-2.84) were associated with psychological distress. Students in mixed schools (comprising both sexes) (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI 1.19-3.15) and adolescents with chronic illness (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.18-2.38) were more likely to report psychological distress. CONCLUSION The prevalence of psychological distress among school-going adolescents is high. Risky sexual behavior, substance use as well as chronic illness were associated with psychological distress. In addition, the type of school was significantly associated with psychological distress. The findings suggest the need for policy makers and stakeholders in health and education sectors to institute measures that will address mental health issues among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael U. Anyanwu
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
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Darteh EKM. Alcohol use among school-going adolescents in Mozambique: prevalence and correlates. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2021.1916843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Mzadi AE, Zouini B, Kerekes N, Senhaji M. Mental Health Profiles in a Sample of Moroccan High School Students: Comparison Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:752539. [PMID: 35264982 PMCID: PMC8899010 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.752539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent high school students may be particularly susceptible to suffering from the effect of isolation, physical distancing restrictions, and school closures imposed during the COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) pandemic. Given the biological and psychological changes that occur during this period of development, adolescents' experiences of these pandemic measures could significantly threaten their mental health and cause long-term consequences. AIM The main objectives of the study were to determine the impact of confinement because of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the psychological distress of Moroccan adolescents and identify the risk and protective factors that could influence their mental health. METHODS The participants in this study were Moroccan high school students who were recruited at two different times-before the COVID-19 pandemic (350 students, mean age: 16.55 years; 53.71% female; data collected in 2014/2015) and after the announcement of the pandemic (457 students, mean age: 16.84; 64.1% female; data collected in 2020). Students responded to an anonymous survey that included several validated instruments, such as the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity questionary, and elicited information about the students' psychosocial environment, gender, and age. The scores on the Brief Symptom Inventory dimensions from the pre-pandemic period and during 2020 were compared. A comparison between the scores of the two genders of the 2020 sample was also carried out. In addition, binary regression analysis was performed to predict the associations between gender, frequency of physical activity, the presence of the number of negative psychosocial factors, and those dimensions of the Brief Symptom Inventory that significantly changed between the samples. RESULTS Female students reported higher psychological distress than male students in both data collection periods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, students scored significantly (p < 0.001) higher in depression and paranoid ideation, and they scored significantly (p = 0.01) lower in hostility and anxiety compared with the pre-pandemic period. Female gender and the experience of physical or psychological abuse significantly increased the risk of reporting higher scores in depression and paranoid ideation symptoms during 2020. Moderate and frequent physical activities were significantly and negatively associated with depression (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004; respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the stressful impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Moroccan high school students, who reported more symptoms of depression and paranoid ideation compared with the pre-COVID-19 period. Female students reported higher psychological distress than male students did. The experience of physical /psychological abuse during the pandemic worsened mental health, while moderate/frequent physical activity improved it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdennour El Mzadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Btissame Zouini
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Nóra Kerekes
- Department of Health Sciences, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | - Meftaha Senhaji
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
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Pengpid S, Peltzer K. Prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among a national sample of in-school adolescents in Morocco. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:475. [PMID: 32993597 PMCID: PMC7526246 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02888-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of the study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among adolescent school children in Morocco. METHODS Nationally representative cross-sectional data were analysed from 6745 adolescents (15 years median age) that responded to questions on a two-item measure of psychological distress from "2016 Morocco Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)." RESULTS The prevalence of psychological distress was 23.3, 18.0% among males and 29.2% among females. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, female sex, older age, bullying victimization, infrequently physically attacked, frequent participation in physical fights, having no close friends, frequent experience of hunger, parental emotional neglect, parental disrespect of privacy, school truancy, sedentary behaviour and having sustained a single or multiple serious injuries (past year) were associated with psychological distress. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, low peer support, parents never check homework, exposure to passive smoking, substance use (current tobacco use, current cannabis use and ever used amphetamine), frequent soft drink and frequent fast food consumption were positively and fruit and vegetable intake was negatively associated with psychological distress. CONCLUSION Almost one in four students reported psychological distress and several associated factors were identified which can aid prevention and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supa Pengpid
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand ,grid.411732.20000 0001 2105 2799Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Karl Peltzer
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
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Pengpid S, Peltzer K. Prevalence of Worry-Induced Sleep Disturbance and Associated Factors among a National Sample of In-School Adolescents in Lebanon. Behav Sci (Basel) 2020; 10:bs10100148. [PMID: 32992487 PMCID: PMC7600147 DOI: 10.3390/bs10100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent worry can cause significant distress among adolescents. The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of worry-induced sleep disturbance (WISD) among adolescent school children in Lebanon. Cross-sectional, nationally representative data were analysed from 5849 adolescents (15 years median age) that took part in the "2017 Lebanon Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)". The results indicate that the prevalence of WISD was 14.7%, 9.6% among males and 17.2% among females. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, loneliness, older age, female sex, having no close friends, infrequent bullying victimization, parents disrespected privacy, current tobacco use, ever cannabis use, high leisure-time sedentary behaviour and having sustained multiple serious injuries (past year) were associated with WISD. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, mostly or always feeling hungry (or low economic status), school truancy, having been physically attacked, frequently being in physical fights (past year), low peer support, parental emotional neglect, parents never checking homework, ever drunk and frequent soft drink intake were positively, and infrequent fast food intake was negatively, associated with WISD. One in seven students reported WISD and several associated factors were identified, which can aid intervention strategies. Multi-level interventions are needed targeting psychosocial distress, social-environmental factors and health risk behaviours to prevent WISD in this adolescent school population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supa Pengpid
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand;
- Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Sovenga 0727, South Africa
| | - Karl Peltzer
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
- Correspondence:
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Amu H, Seidu AA, Agbemavi W, Afriyie BO, Ahinkorah BO, Ameyaw EK, Kissah-Korsah K. Psychosocial distress among in-school adolescents in Mozambique: a cross-sectional study using the Global School-Based Health Survey data. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2020; 14:38. [PMID: 32999685 PMCID: PMC7520017 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-020-00344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor mental health remains the leading cause of disability, with considerable negative impacts in low- and middle-income countries. In this study, we examined the prevalence and correlates of psychosocial distress among in-school adolescents in Mozambique. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 1918 in-school adolescents, using data from the 2015 Mozambique Global School-Based Health Survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted in analysing the data. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS The prevalence of psychosocial distress was 21.2% (24.1% females and 18.5% males). Older adolescents [AOR = 1.681, 95% CI = 1.233-2.292] had higher odds of experiencing psychosocial distress, compared with younger adolescents. In terms of sex, males [AOR = 0.755, 95% CI 0.601-0.950] had lower odds of experiencing psychosocial distress, compared with females. Adolescents who were bullied [AOR = 1.451, 95% CI 1.150-1.831], physically attacked [AOR = 1.802, 95% CI 1.404-2.313], and engaged in a physical fight [AOR = 1.376, 95% CI 1.070-1.769] were respectively more likely to experience psychosocial distress than those who did not. Conversely, adolescents who had close friends [AOR = 0.503, 95% CI 0.372-0.681] had lower odds of being psychosocially distressed than those who did not have close friends. CONCLUSION The prevalence of psychosocial distress among in-school adolescents in Mozambique is relatively high. The country may not be able to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 target of promoting mental health and wellbeing of all by the year 2030 if current rates of psychosocial distress persist among in-school adolescents. Mental health education and counselling as well as social support from friends should be intensified to reduce mental health problems and enable adolescents to effectively deal with the psychosocial challenges encountered in their transition from childhood to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Amu
- Department of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Abdul-Aziz Seidu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD Australia
| | - Wonder Agbemavi
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Edward Kwabena Ameyaw
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kwaku Kissah-Korsah
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Pengpid S, Peltzer K. Psychological Distress and Its Associated Factors Among School-Going Adolescents in Tanzania. PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12646-020-00550-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Analysis of risk and protective factors for psychosocial distress among in-school adolescents in Tanzania. J Public Health (Oxf) 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-019-01185-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Alcohol Use and Misuse Among School-Going Adolescents in Thailand: Results of a National Survey in 2015. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16111898. [PMID: 31146363 PMCID: PMC6603660 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16111898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of alcohol use and misuse, and to identify its associated factors among in-school adolescents in the 2015 Thailand Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). The sample included 5994 school-going adolescents (mean age 14.5 years, SD = 1.7) from Thailand that responded to the 2015 GSHS. Overall, 22.2% were current alcohol users, 24.3% had ever been drunk, 12.1% had drunk two or more alcoholic drinks in a day in the past 30 days and 10.8% had gotten into trouble because of drinking alcohol. In adjusted Poisson regression analysis, older age, psychological distress, current tobacco use, the consumption of one or more soft drinks a day, school truancy, having been in a physical fight in the past 12 months, and having been seriously injured in the past 12 months were associated with current alcohol use. Older age, psychological distress, current tobacco use and injury also increased the odds for lifetime drunkenness, having two or more drinks in a day and trouble resulting from drinking. Soft drink consumption and having been in a physical fight also increased the odds for lifetime drunkenness and having two or more drinks in a day and school truancy also increased the odds for lifetime drunkenness and trouble resulting from drinking. In addition. Parental tobacco use was associated with lifetime drunkenness and trouble resulting from drinking, cannabis use with trouble resulting from drinking, and parental support was protective from trouble resulting from drinking. There were no significant sex differences regarding any of the four alcohol use indicators. More than one in five school-going adolescents in Thailand use and misuse alcohol, and strategies to prevent alcohol misuse, including a cluster of risk behaviours, are needed.
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