A recent report has revealed that youths in Kenya and several other African nations are in a better mental state compared to their counterparts in affluent countries globally.
Young adults aged 18–34 in several African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria, have demonstrated greater mental resilience over the past six years.
On a 1–100 Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) scale, Kenyan youths scored between 50 and 60, which was higher than young adults in high-income countries who have experienced a decline in mental well-being since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Tanzania ranks first in Africa and the highest globally, while youths in Nigeria recorded MHQ scores above 60.
"The report, which analysed over one million responses from internet-enabled populations in 76 countries across all continents, presents a concerning reality as mental health among 18- to 34-year-olds in Western nations has declined sharply since 2019, with no signs of recovery," it stated.
"The decline is far less in several African countries, where mental well-being scores are higher," it added.
The report, titled 2024 Mental State of the World Report, released by Sapiens Lab on Thursday, 6 March, analysed over one million responses from internet-enabled populations in 76 countries worldwide.
Despite African countries ranking higher in mental well-being compared to the West, the fight for mental health on the continent is far from over.
For instance, young adults in South Africa scored between 30 and 40 MHQ, which is above other poor-performing countries such as the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and New Zealand, but the scores remain low.
Data collected using the MHQ during the survey examined all aspects of mental function, including emotional, social, and cognitive factors. It showed that nearly a majority of younger adults are experiencing functionally debilitating struggles or distress compared to older adults.
The better scores in African nations were attributed to lower digital connectivity compared to high-income countries; however, this trend could be reversed due to the rapid technological adoption currently taking place on the continent, which threatens the traditional social structures.
Globally, the decline in mental well-being among youths since 2019 has been linked to factors such as weaker social connections, early exposure to smartphones, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, and greater exposure to environmental toxins.
"Younger generations are experiencing fewer close friendships, spending more time online, and consuming diets that contribute to emotional instability and cognitive challenges. These combined pressures have fuelled a global crisis that continues to deepen," Sapiens Lab stated.
"While the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic may be behind us, its impact on mental health and well-being continues to linger without signs of recovery," the report added.
On the other hand, older populations across the globe ranked well, with an average MHQ score of 100.
Older people in more than 55 countries across Africa, Central and South America, South-East Asia, Israel, and the UAE scored over 110.
In Africa, older populations in Nigeria ranked high at 110 MHQ while Kenya Ranked second with scores between 100 and 110.
"In stark contrast to older adults, the average MHQ of younger Internet-enabled adults under age 35, ranges from 5 to 71 across 79 countries with an average globally of just 38, over 60 points lower than those aged 55 plus," it stated.
The higher scores in this segment were attributed to stronger community and family ties, later exposure to smartphones, and more face-to-face social interactions.
