Exploring Mental Health Literacy Among Adolescents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

In 2021, a rapid literature search revealed limited information on mental health literacy (MHL) research among adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa, with studies primarily conducted in Tanzania, South Africa, and Nigeria. These studies employed varying definitions and methods for measuring MHL, highlighting the need for a scoping review to synthesize and summarize existing evidence. Using a narrative synthesis approach, this review aims to combine findings from diverse study designs to capture the current state of MHL research among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Objectives: 1. To review and summarize the evidence base on MHL among adolescents in LMICs, addressing questions such as how MHL is reported, what characteristics and concepts are discussed, and what study designs are employed. 2. To identify gaps in the current evidence base that can guide future research efforts. Research Questions: 1. Primary Question: What research (including surveys and interventions) has been conducted on MHL among adolescents in LMIC settings? 2. Secondary Questions: 2.1 What are the characteristics of studies on adolescent MHL in LMICs (e.g., settings, contexts, and study designs)? 2.2 How is MHL defined in these studies? 2.3 What components of MHL are addressed? 2.4 What barriers and facilitators are encountered in MHL research? 2.5 What recommendations are proposed for improving MHL approaches in adolescent populations? Methods: The scoping review uses a narrative synthesis approach to address the research questions and analyze key outcomes, including the geographic distribution of studies, definitions of MHL, components addressed, barriers and facilitators, and recommendations for future work. This approach is ideal for synthesizing diverse study designs and definitions, offering a comprehensive overview of MHL research in LMICs. Expected Outcomes: The review will identify: 1. Geographic and contextual distribution of studies. 2. Definitions and conceptualizations of MHL used in the literature. 3. Components of MHL addressed in research. 4. Barriers and facilitators encountered in MHL studies. 5. Recommendations for improving adolescent MHL in LMICs. This scoping review provides a foundational understanding of MHL research among adolescents in LMICs and highlights areas for further exploration to advance the field of mental health literacy.