College is supposed to be a time of growth, but for many students in sub-Saharan Africa, it's also a time of deep struggle. A new review of studies from 2020 to 2023 finds that depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide are widespread on campuses. Substance use and general psychological distress are also major concerns.
The review looked at research from universities across the region. It found that mood disorders were the most commonly reported mental health issues. But the picture is incomplete: very few studies explored whether students actually seek help. And most research focused on undergraduate medical students, leaving out other groups like graduate students.
Social factors play a big role. Things like financial stress, cultural norms, gender inequality, and limited access to mental health services all contribute to the problem. Students also face academic pressure, and behaviors like poor sleep, unhealthy diet, and substance use make things worse.
This is a scoping review, meaning it maps out what's known — and what's not. It doesn't prove what causes these issues or which solutions work. The evidence is still limited, and more research is needed across different countries and student populations. But the message is clear: young people in African universities are struggling, and they need support.
