Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42469563›Full record

ReviewDiscover mental health2026

A review of mental health and psychosocial support needs in Central Africa with emphasis on service gaps and opportunities for action.

Elvis Tajoache Amin, Prudence Tatiana Nti Mvilongo, Asonglefac Bonita Fonkem, Charles Njumkeng, Patrick Achiangia Njukeng

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Discover mental health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Elvis Tajoache AminGlobal Health Systems Solutions, Denver layout, Bonamousadi, P.O Box. 3659, Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon. aetajoache@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9660-6386
Prudence Tatiana Nti MvilongoGlobal Health Systems Solutions, Denver layout, Bonamousadi, P.O Box. 3659, Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0009-5741-913X
Asonglefac Bonita FonkemGlobal Health Systems Solutions, Denver layout, Bonamousadi, P.O Box. 3659, Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon.
Charles NjumkengGlobal Health Systems Solutions, Denver layout, Bonamousadi, P.O Box. 3659, Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9968-3064
Patrick Achiangia NjukengGlobal Health Systems Solutions, Denver layout, Bonamousadi, P.O Box. 3659, Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon. p3njukeng@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5265-1612

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMental health and psychosocial well-being remain critically underprioritized in Central Africa, a region characterized by persistent conflict, displacement, poverty, and fragile health systems. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs across Central Africa, identifies gaps, and informs policy directions.

methodsA systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted (January 2010-December 2025) using keywords related to mental health, psychosocial support, and Central African countries. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized narratively.

resultsThe literature reveals consistently elevated prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (> 30% among internally displaced persons in the Democratic Republic of Congo), depression, and anxiety among conflict-affected populations. Mental health services remain grossly inadequate, concentrated in urban areas, underfunded, and poorly integrated into primary healthcare. Key barriers include insufficient infrastructure, scarcity of trained professionals, pervasive stigma, and logistical challenges. Community-based and task-shifting approaches demonstrate promise, yet sustainability remains constrained. Cultural contexts significantly influence help-seeking behaviors.

conclusionAddressing MHPSS needs in Central Africa requires multi-sectoral strategies that integrate mental health into broader public health agendas, strengthen community-based interventions, build local capacity, and foster partnerships. Context-specific research and policy reforms are essential.

Indexed as

Central AfricaConflict-affected populationsCultural sensitivityHumanitarian crisesMental healthPsychosocial supportTask-shifting

Identifiers

PMID42469563
PMCPMC13658683

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.