A scoping review of depression prevalence and associated factors among medical students in Sub-Saharan Africa

Depression remains a global health concern affecting medical students owing to‍ high academic, clinical⁠, and psychological demands of training. Despite the increasing evidence that depression is common among medical students in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the available literature remains fragmented, with wide variation in reported prevalence, risk factors, and assessment methods across countries. This study aims to review the prevalence of depression, and associated factors among medical students in Sub-Saharan Africa. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR guideline. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase ‌, PsycINFO, and African Journals Online was undertaken‌ between February 5 and February 25, 2026. Eligible studies included primary research on undergraduate medical students in SSA reporting depression prevalence and associated factors. Data were systematically charted and synthesised using descriptive and thematic approaches‌. Eleven cross-sectional studies from‌ six SSA countries met the inclusion criteria. Reported prevalence ranged from 15.1% to 75.4⁠%, with substantial heterogeneity largely attributable to differences between screening instruments and diagnostic methodology‍. The risk factors included female sex, advancing study year, academic overload, and financial hardship. Coping strategies were largely informal, with limited institutional support. No study used longitudinal or experimental designs to assess intervention effectiveness. Depression is highly prevalent among medical students in SSA and shaped by structural factors. The findings underscore the urgent need for context-specific, institution-based mental health programmes and routine screening within medical schools. Future research should prioritize longitudinal and intervention studies to generate evidence-based strategies that improve the mental well-being of future healthcare workforce.