Surreal illustration symbolizing mental health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa

Unmasking Depression and Substance Abuse in Sub-Saharan Africa: How Partner Violence Plays a Hidden Role

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research sheds light on the interconnected challenges of mental health, substance abuse, and intimate partner violence across four sub-Saharan African countries, revealing urgent needs for targeted interventions."

Mental health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa are a significant and often overlooked issue. While global data models attempt to capture the burden of mental illness, these are often underestimates. Depression and substance abuse stand out as major concerns, complicated by factors like poverty, limited access to healthcare, and social stigmas.

A recent study across four sub-Saharan African countries—Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda—aimed to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms (DS) and non-alcohol substance (NAS) abuse. More importantly, it sought to understand how these issues are linked to alcohol use and intimate partner violence (IPV). The findings expose a web of interconnected challenges that demand immediate attention.

This study is a cross-sectional analysis conducted at five sites within the participating countries, selected to represent a mix of populations, including healthcare professionals, teachers, and community residents. It used a standardized questionnaire to gather data on demographics, alcohol and substance use, experiences of intimate partner violence, and symptoms of depression.

What are the key findings on Depression and Substance Abuse?

Surreal illustration symbolizing mental health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa

The research revealed that depressive symptoms are alarmingly prevalent across the surveyed regions. Overall, nearly a third of respondents (32.3%) exhibited signs of depression. Moreover, women were disproportionately affected, with 35.5% showing depressive symptoms compared to 27.1% of men.

Non-alcohol substance (NAS) abuse, while less common than depression, also emerged as a significant concern. Approximately 4.3% of participants reported using substances such as marijuana or methamphetamines. Interestingly, NAS use was more prevalent among men (6.3%) compared to women (3.1%).

Depressive Symptoms (DS): 32.3% of respondents showed signs of depression.
Gender Disparity: Women reported higher rates of depression (35.5%) than men (27.1%).
Non-Alcohol Substance (NAS) Abuse: 4.3% of participants reported NAS use.
Gender Variance in NAS: NAS use was more common among men (6.3%) compared to women (3.1%).

The study's multivariable analysis confirmed that being female, experiencing NAS abuse, and being subjected to intimate partner violence were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Older age was identified as a protective factor against NAS abuse, while current smokers and those experiencing IPV were more likely to engage in NAS use.

Why should we care?

This study underscores the urgent need for integrated mental health interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. By addressing the interconnected issues of depression, substance abuse, and partner violence, healthcare providers and policymakers can create more effective and sustainable solutions. Future longitudinal studies are essential to further understand the temporal relationships between these risk factors and to inform targeted interventions that promote mental well-being and resilience across the region.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1017/gmh.2018.22, Alternate LINK

Title: Burden Of Depressive Symptoms And Non-Alcohol Substance Abuse; And Their Association With Alcohol Use And Partner Violence: A Cross-Sectional Study In Four Sub-Saharan Africa Countries

Journal: Global Mental Health

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Authors: F. Bajunirwe, S. Maling, H.-O. Adami, I. O. Ajayi, J. Volmink, C. Adebamowo, C. Laurence, T. Reid, J. Nankya-Mutyoba, F. S. Chiwanga, S. Dalal, M. Njelekela, D. Guwatudde, M. D. Holmes

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the main mental health challenges identified in Sub-Saharan Africa, as highlighted by recent research?

The recent study emphasizes that depression and non-alcohol substance (NAS) abuse are significant mental health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. These issues are often complicated by factors such as poverty, limited access to healthcare, and social stigmas. The research underscores the urgent need for focused mental health interventions to address these interconnected problems effectively.

How prevalent are depressive symptoms and non-alcohol substance (NAS) abuse in the Sub-Saharan African countries studied, and are there any gender differences?

The study revealed that 32.3% of respondents exhibited depressive symptoms. Women were disproportionately affected, with 35.5% showing depressive symptoms compared to 27.1% of men. Non-alcohol substance (NAS) abuse was reported by 4.3% of participants, with a higher prevalence among men (6.3%) compared to women (3.1%). These gender differences highlight the need for tailored intervention strategies.

What is the connection between intimate partner violence (IPV), depression, and non-alcohol substance (NAS) abuse in Sub-Saharan Africa?

The multivariable analysis showed a significant association between experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) and having depressive symptoms. Additionally, individuals experiencing IPV were more likely to engage in non-alcohol substance (NAS) use. Being female and experiencing NAS abuse were also significantly associated with depressive symptoms, indicating a complex interrelationship between these factors. This underscores the need for integrated interventions that address all three issues simultaneously.

Why is it important to address the interconnected issues of depression, substance abuse, and partner violence in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Addressing the interconnected issues of depression, substance abuse, and intimate partner violence (IPV) is crucial for creating more effective and sustainable solutions for mental health in Sub-Saharan Africa. Because these issues are closely linked, integrated interventions that target all three can promote mental well-being and resilience more effectively than addressing them in isolation. By understanding and tackling these interconnected challenges, healthcare providers and policymakers can develop strategies that have a more profound and lasting impact.

What implications does older age have on substance abuse, based on the findings in Sub-Saharan Africa?

According to the research, older age was identified as a protective factor against non-alcohol substance (NAS) abuse. This suggests that as individuals age, they may be less likely to engage in NAS use. However, this finding should be considered alongside other factors influencing substance abuse, such as social support networks, economic stability, and access to healthcare. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the mechanisms through which age may protect against NAS abuse in this context.