Public policies for the promotion of mental health in adolescents in Ibero-America: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Mental health refers to the balance of various areas of life, involving cognitive, behavioral, and biopsychosocial elements that impact individuals' quality of life and relationships. While mental health issues are present across all social and age groups, adolescence is the stage where these problems are most concentrated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review to identify and analyze public policies aimed at promoting mental health among adolescents in Ibero-America. The PRISMA methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was employed to ensure transparent and adequate systematic reviews. A total of 18 texts meeting the established inclusion and quality criteria were selected. The findings highlight that most public mental health policy actions, proposals, and initiatives primarily focus on public and free healthcare services provided by national governments. A lack of involvement from other sectors, such as education, was identified, as well as the absence of a multi, interdisciplinary, or cross-sectoral approach to mental health issues. Moreover, legislation and regulatory frameworks have remained unchanged over the past decade, with minimal or no follow-up on the implementation of mental health policies in Ibero-America.