Prevalence of mental disorders among young people living in urban slums of low- and middle- income countries: A systematic review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose Young people living in slums are at increased risk of poor mental health. We examined the prevalence and correlates of mental disorders among youth living in slums in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods A search of seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and African Journals Online) was conducted from inception to September 2022 and updated to March 2026. Studies were screened by two independent reviewers who also extracted data and assessed the study quality and risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool (JBI). Meta–analyses were carried out using the random effects model (REML) to estimate prevalence and 95% CI. Results We identified 24 studies out of 3,946 citations, reporting data on depression, post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and alcohol use disorders (AUDs), involving 26,794 participants. The pooled prevalences were depression 31% (95% CI: 0.23–0.40; I 2 99·4%; p < 0·01), PTSD 24% (95% CI: 0.14–0.35; I 2 99·08%; p < 0·01), anxiety disorders 35% (95% CI: 0.20–0.53, I 2 98·91%; p < 0·01), AUDs 23% (95% CI:0.10–0.38, I 2 99·08%; p < 0·01). Food insecurity and violence exposure were the most reported risk factors, whereas adult support and neighbourhood connectedness were the most reported protective factors. Conclusion Young people living in slums carry a disproportionate burden of mental disorders. There is an urgent need for contextually grounded policies and interventions to mitigate identified risk factors, strengthen protective factors, and break down barriers to treatment for those in need.