# Youth depression in Ethiopia: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds that 36% of Ethiopian youth suffer from depression, with social support, gender, and alcohol use being key factors.

## Contribution

The study provides the first comprehensive meta-analysis of youth depression prevalence in Ethiopia.

## Key findings

- The pooled prevalence of youth depression in Ethiopia is 36%.
- Female gender, poor alcohol use, and lack of social support are significant predictors of depression.
- The depression rate is higher than the WHO's global mental health report estimates.

## Abstract

Mental health is the state of well-being that manages our emotions, psychological stress, social well-being and it is essential at all stages of life. Depression is a mental health condition that causes repeated changes in mood and in how a person feels about everyday life. It can impact every aspect of life, including relations with friends, family, and the community. Depression, like most other mental health conditions, begins at the time of childhood or adolescence and can continue into adulthood. Depression among young people is widespread in developing nations like Ethiopia. This review aimed to compile data on Ethiopia’s youth depression.

We searched through papers on the topic within the electronic databases of Worldwide Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science. The data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel™ format and exported to R (software) for management and further analysis. The heterogeneity among the former studies’ proportions was checked using the I2 test with p-values (I2 = 97, p < 0.01). Due to the presence of heterogeneity, a random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled depression among youth in Ethiopia. Additionally, subgroup analysis and publication bias were tested.

Overall pooled depression prevalence among youths in Ethiopia was 36% (95% CI: 31% to 42%). The level of social support, gender, and use of alcohol were significant predictors of youth depression.

The magnitude of youth depression in Ethiopia is high as compared to the WHO mental health report (2022). Female gender, poor alcohol use, and a lack of social support were associated with youth depression. Educational and social support, particularly for females, and opportunities for youth to engage in various social and economic activities, should be implemented.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13034-025-00971-9.