Abstract
BACKGROUND: Three-quarters of all mental health problems begins between 10-24 years. When not treated, adolescents and young people with mental health problems are at high risk of abuse, suicide, and substance use, which have long-term consequences that negatively impact physical, and economic productivity. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of mental health problems among secondary school students 10-24 years in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. METHODOLOGY: We utilized secondary data from two repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2019 and 2022 among students aged 10-24 years in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. A chi-square test was used to compare mental health problem proportions by survey year and other participant characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence interval to determine factors associated with mental health problems. RESULTS: The median age of 4955 study participants was 15 (14, 17), 64% were 15-19 years, 53.9% were females, and 65% participated in survey 1. The overall prevalence of mental health problems was 29.2% (survey 1; 27.4% and survey 2; 32.6%). Overall, higher odds of mental health problems were among students aged 20-24 years than those aged 10-14 years, among females, currently using any substances, ever had sex, ever been physically attacked, ever been bullied, and those ever-missed classes. CONCLUSION: Mental health problems are highly prevalent among secondary school adolescents and young people in the Kilimanjaro region and were common among those aged 20-24 years, females, final year students, current substance users, history of having sex, ever missed classes, and being bullied. In-school programs for mental health issues awareness among students should be improved.