Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract Background: Substance use among adolescents continues to be a growing major public health concern in Africa. Recent studies infer an overall estimated prevalence of 42% among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is not adequately documented across many settings in the continent despite known negative health and social consequences on affected individuals and their communities. Little is known about the social context of substance use in Africa among this population. Our aim is to conduct a systematic review to explore determinants and associated factors that influence adolescent substance use and the effects of substance use in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, Scopus, Global Health, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and the World Health Organization (WHO) regional databases will be searched for population-based observational studies reporting on the prevalence of substance use of adolescents (age 10 - 19 years) across Africa. Search dates will be from January 2000 to December 2019. Data will be extracted from eligible publications, using a data extraction tool developed for this study. A random effects meta-analysis will be conducted to pool determinants and effects (at 95% confidence interval) of estimated substance abuse among adolescents. Alternative visual and statistical approaches will be adopted instead of traditional meta-analytic approaches where necessary.Discussion: This systematic review will describe the range of determinants and associated factors that have been found to significantly influence substance use in this population group over the last two decades. Additionally, the review will also describe the possible effects of substance use among adolescents. Documenting this evidence is important as it can potentially be used to inform comprehensive interventions and treatment programmes that are targeted at adolescents and their parents in these settings.Systematic review registration: registered on PROSPERO; registration number tbc.

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The core competencies for mental, neurological, and substance use disorder care in sub-Saharan Africa

Global Health Action ◽

10.3402/gha.v8.26682 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 26682 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Pamela Y. Collins ◽

Seggane Musisi ◽

Seble Frehywot ◽

Vikram Patel

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Substance Use Disorder ◽

Core Competencies ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

The Core ◽

Sub Saharan

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A qualitative exploration of the role of NGOs in the recovery support for persons with substance use disorders in a low-income African setting

Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy ◽

10.1186/s13011-021-00400-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kwaku Oppong Asante ◽

Emmanuella Asiama-Sampong ◽

Richard Appiah

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Substance Use ◽

Substance Use Disorders ◽

Low Income ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Government Support ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Recovery Support

Abstract Background In sub-Saharan Africa, most government mental health facilities are under-resourced to cater for the mental health needs of the population, including the provision of treatment and recovery support services for persons with substance use disorders (SUDs). However, in other settings, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play significant roles by complementing governments’ efforts in the provision of care for vulnerable groups. Presently, no study exists that examines the contributions of NGOs in the recovery support of individuals with SUDs in the Ghanaian context. This study sets out to explore the role of NGOs in the recovery of persons with SUDs in Ghana. Method Using a descriptive qualitative design, eight staff (directors and senior recovery practitioners) from eight NGOs in southern Ghana were purposively selected and interviewed face-to-face using semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the thematic analysis within an inductive approach. Results The results showed that NGOs provide three main services: treatment of drug addiction (through psychotherapy and recovery capital), re-integration of recovered individuals into society, and advocacy and awareness creation in schools and communities. These efforts are thwarted by limited qualified professionals and inadequate government support. Conclusion Our results underscore the need for government agencies to collaborate with NGOs involved in the recovery management of persons with SUDs and other mental disorders to complement their efforts in strategizing, designing, and implementing context-appropriate substance misuse prevention and intervention programs and policies in Ghana.

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Substance use among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

South African Journal of Child Health ◽

10.7196/sajch.2018.v12i2b.1524 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (2b) ◽

pp. 79 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Adebanke Olawole-Isaac ◽

Oluwatomisin Ogundipe ◽

Emmanuel Olagunju Amoo ◽

Davies Olubunmi Adeloye

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Substance Use ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Sub Saharan

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