Parenthood and Mental Health Among University Populations in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Cross‐Sectional study

Abstract

Background and Aims: This study examined the association between parenthood status and psychological well-being among university staff and students in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted across 22 universities in four SSA countries using convenience sampling. A total of 1189 university staff and students, including parents and non-parents, participated. Mental health outcomes were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine associations between parenthood status and mental health outcomes after adjusting for sociodemographic and contextual factors. Results: Participants with children had lower odds of moderate depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.55; 95% CI 0.40-0.75) and severe anxiety (AOR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.50-0.86) compared with participants without children. Higher odds of severe mental health outcomes were observed among females and respondents from Malawi and Mozambique. Marital stability was associated with lower odds of severe depression and anxiety. Conclusions: Parenthood status was associated with lower odds of depression and anxiety among university staff and students in SSA. These findings highlight important sociodemographic and contextual differences in mental health within university populations and underscore the need for targeted, culturally responsive mental health interventions.