Building a Sustainable Mental Health Support System for Nigerian Youth: A School-Based Intervention

Review article

Abstract

Youth-focused interventions to improve the mental health awareness and mental health seeking behaviour among the population have been relatively scarce. This study therefore explored the improvement in mental health literacy, resilience, coping strategies and overall mental wellbeing of undergraduates through a youth-driven multifaceted mental health intervention. A pre and post intervention study between 2023 and 2024 was conducted among the undergraduates of the University of Ilorin. This was followed by a comprehensive training on overall mental health promotion and mental disorders, establishment of a safe space for early intervention of minor mental illnesses, campus radio program and sensitization outreaches and; monitoring. Both baseline and endline data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. Secondary data was also collected from the on-campus mental health safe space using the WHO-5 Well Being Index, Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory), Social Connectedness Scale, Emotional Regulation and Resilience Measure. The quantitative data were analyzed for frequency of occurrence and inferential statistics. The information from the exit interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes and contents. A total of 42 students were trained as peer supporters and curators. A total of 919 out of 2282 clients with a mean age of 20.7 ± 2.3 years recorded at the mental health safe space completed at least 4 visits. Majority of the clients (63.6%) were females. Comparison of the baseline and endline survey findings showed significant changes in knowledge and behavioural responses about mental illness as a result of the intervention. The results showed significant improvement in the mental health wellbeing and resilience of the clients. There was significant demonstration of improved coping skills, increased help seeking behaviour and utilization of positive coping strategies by the clients. The peer to peer model of youth mental health intervention showed remarkable positive outcomes over the implementation timeframe. The evaluation demonstrated the potential for sustainability with more efforts and further intervention.