Exploring mental health patterns of African international university students in Germany: A review
Introduction: The increasing globalization of higher education has led to a rise in African international students studying at German universities. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are prevalent among this group, and understanding the factors that influence their sociocultural and...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Tabriz: Hamid Allahverdipour, 2024-
2024-12-01
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| Series: | BioSocial Health Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://biosocialhealthjournal.com/PDF/bshj-1-188.pdf |
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| author | Jude Tsafack Zefack Brenda Mbouamba Yankam Fuanyi Awatboh Mbonjo Bitsie Dora Esua Alphonsius Fotindong |
| author_facet | Jude Tsafack Zefack Brenda Mbouamba Yankam Fuanyi Awatboh Mbonjo Bitsie Dora Esua Alphonsius Fotindong |
| author_sort | Jude Tsafack Zefack |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Introduction: The increasing globalization of higher education has led to a rise in African international students studying at German universities. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are prevalent among this group, and understanding the factors that influence their sociocultural and psychological adaptation is critical. This review aims to explore the mental health patterns of African international university students in Germany, focusing on the challenges they face, their psychological adaptation, and access to culturally sensitive mental health services. Methods: The search followed the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar using specific keywords, including "mental health," "anxiety," "depression," "African international students," and "Germany." Studies that were peer-reviewed, focused on African international students in Germany, and had a social epidemiological emphasis on mental health were included. Results: African students face higher levels of anxiety compared to students from other regions, mainly due to cultural distance and experiences of racism. Despite their significant presence, mental health services tailored to their needs are limited. Due to a shortage of relevant articles, a detailed analysis of African students’ mental health could not be conducted. Conclusion: African international students in Germany may face unique mental health challenges, including heightened anxiety and significant difficulties adapting to their new environment. These challenges are compounded by a lack of culturally tailored mental health services. Addressing these issues requires targeted studies to understand their unique needs and the development of a more inclusive academic environment that supports the specific needs of African students. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d3164976b3414aa1b21442e1cd1f4cd4 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 3060-6268 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Tabriz: Hamid Allahverdipour, 2024- |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BioSocial Health Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-d3164976b3414aa1b21442e1cd1f4cd42025-02-06T10:35:41ZengTabriz: Hamid Allahverdipour, 2024-BioSocial Health Journal3060-62682024-12-011418819610.34172/bshj.35bshj-35Exploring mental health patterns of African international university students in Germany: A reviewJude Tsafack Zefack0Brenda Mbouamba Yankam1Fuanyi Awatboh2Mbonjo Bitsie Dora3Esua Alphonsius Fotindong4Social Epidemiology Lab, Wuppertal, GermanySocial Epidemiology Lab, Wuppertal, GermanySocial Epidemiology Lab, Wuppertal, GermanySocial Epidemiology Lab, Wuppertal, GermanySocial Epidemiology Lab, Wuppertal, GermanyIntroduction: The increasing globalization of higher education has led to a rise in African international students studying at German universities. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are prevalent among this group, and understanding the factors that influence their sociocultural and psychological adaptation is critical. This review aims to explore the mental health patterns of African international university students in Germany, focusing on the challenges they face, their psychological adaptation, and access to culturally sensitive mental health services. Methods: The search followed the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar using specific keywords, including "mental health," "anxiety," "depression," "African international students," and "Germany." Studies that were peer-reviewed, focused on African international students in Germany, and had a social epidemiological emphasis on mental health were included. Results: African students face higher levels of anxiety compared to students from other regions, mainly due to cultural distance and experiences of racism. Despite their significant presence, mental health services tailored to their needs are limited. Due to a shortage of relevant articles, a detailed analysis of African students’ mental health could not be conducted. Conclusion: African international students in Germany may face unique mental health challenges, including heightened anxiety and significant difficulties adapting to their new environment. These challenges are compounded by a lack of culturally tailored mental health services. Addressing these issues requires targeted studies to understand their unique needs and the development of a more inclusive academic environment that supports the specific needs of African students.https://biosocialhealthjournal.com/PDF/bshj-1-188.pdfafrican international studentsmental healthanxietydepressiongermany |
| spellingShingle | Jude Tsafack Zefack Brenda Mbouamba Yankam Fuanyi Awatboh Mbonjo Bitsie Dora Esua Alphonsius Fotindong Exploring mental health patterns of African international university students in Germany: A review BioSocial Health Journal african international students mental health anxiety depression germany |
| title | Exploring mental health patterns of African international university students in Germany: A review |
| title_full | Exploring mental health patterns of African international university students in Germany: A review |
| title_fullStr | Exploring mental health patterns of African international university students in Germany: A review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring mental health patterns of African international university students in Germany: A review |
| title_short | Exploring mental health patterns of African international university students in Germany: A review |
| title_sort | exploring mental health patterns of african international university students in germany a review |
| topic | african international students mental health anxiety depression germany |
| url | https://biosocialhealthjournal.com/PDF/bshj-1-188.pdf |
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