Gender differences in the prevalence of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder and associated factors among adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

07/08/2026

AI Summary

Anxiety and PTSD are highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, with pooled prevalences around 36% and 34% respectively.
Women have higher prevalence and odds of anxiety and PTSD than men: anxiety 39% vs 30%, PTSD 39% vs 26%, ORs ≈1.5.
Research gaps persist; few studies examine drivers of gender disparities. Target modifiable factors to guide gender-sensitive interventions and programmes.

Front Psychiatry. 2026 Jul 23;17:1817602. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1817602. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sex and gender equity in research has a growing focus, but there are gaps in fully integrating it in mental health research, limiting adoption of sex and gender-sensitive interventions. This review adopted a gendered perspective to synthesize prevalence and associated factors contributing to differences in anxiety and PTSD in SSA.

METHODOLOGY: Electronic search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science databases. Empirical studies conducted in SSA, targeting adults >18 years and having gender-disaggregated anxiety and PTSD prevalence and factors were included. Meta-analysis of proportions stratified by sex was done, and narrative synthesis of the significant factors in the multivariable analysis adopted.

RESULTS: From 175 studies included, 75 reported anxiety, 86 reported PTSD, while 14 reported both anxiety and PTSD outcomes. Eastern Africa had 61% representation, 19% in West Africa, 18% in Southern Africa and 2% in Central Africa. High anxiety (36%) and PTSD (34%) prevalence was noted regardless of gender. Women had 39% pooled anxiety prevalence, compared to 30% in men. PTSD prevalence was also higher in women (39%) than men (26%). Women had significantly higher odds of anxiety (Female: Male OR-1.52) and PTSD (Female: Male OR-1.59) in SSA and in the regional analysis. Majority of the factors noted were focused on women. Demographic factors and traumatic experiences were majorly noted in men, with women having a range of factors- demographic, interpersonal, traumatic experiences, and obstetric factors that contributed to the burden.

CONCLUSION: Anxiety and PTSD are highly prevalent in SSA, women more affected. Although gender differences in the prevalence was well documented across different studies, there is still a paucity of research looking into the factors contributing to the disparities. It is crucial to look further into the modifiable factors that drive the disparities in order to guide targeted, gender-sensitive interventions and mental health programs.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://osf.io/dashboard, identifier https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NX4JA.

PMID:42564549 | PMC:PMC13444377 | DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1817602

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