Mental health of young adults in south africa: evidence from the Africa Long Life Study (ALLS)

Abstract

Around 70% of Africa’s population is under 30, yet many young people face challenges which contribute to psychological distress. Studies have shown gender, financial status, and religiosity can serve as both risk and protective factors depending on the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors young adults are exposed to. However, research in the area tends to focus primarily on adolescence. This study investigated the presence of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among young adults in South Africa investigating the influence of gender, perceived financial status, and religiosity on anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Data from 729 South African young adults in the Africa Long Life Study were analyzed. Measures included the International Mental Health Assessment (IMHA) anxiety, depression, and PTS subscales, self-reported gender and financial status and the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL). While anxiety, depression and PTS level were low, commonly endorsed symptoms included excessive worry, decision-making difficulties, and intrusive memories. The strongest predictor of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress was gender, followed by perceived financial status and organizational religious activity. Financial insecurity and identifying as female were linked to greater psychological distress, while higher organizational religious activity served as a protective factor across anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Findings highlight the urgent need for targeted, contextually relevant mental health interventions, particularly for young women and financially insecure individuals. Results also support integrating a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework into mental health services to address the complex needs of South African youth.