Psychological Issues, Prevalence and Predictors in Senegal: Evidence from the Senegal Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) 2023

Background: Despite a high burden of psychological issues in low- and middle-income sub-Saharan countries, no national-level assessment exists for Senegal. Methods: To assess the prevalence and predictors of psychological issues, we analyzed the 2023 Senegal Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 75,080 household members. Results: The prevalence of psychological issues in Senegal was 5% (95% CI = 5.2-5.6). It was highest in the Matam region (8.7%) and lowest in the Saint-Louis region (3.5%). Female gender (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02-1.22), no education (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.11-1.36), singlehood (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.46-1.85), owned housing (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.26-1.84), rural residency (aOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05-1.32), higher household size (aOR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.01-1.02), indoor second-hand smoke (SHS) (aOR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.43-1.73), and shock events (aOR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.48-1.76) increased the likelihood of psychological issues. Access to video players (aOR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.12-0.41), mobile phones (aOR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.68-0.87), and the internet (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.66-0.96) reduced the likelihood of psychological issues. Conclusions: The burden of psychological issues is high in Senegal. Socio-demographic predictors suggest higher vulnerability among females, the uneducated, unmarried, and rural residents. Stressors such as shock events and indoor SHS increase the risk of psychological issues among household members. Access to recreational tools such as video players, mobiles, and the internet is beneficial in reducing psychological issues. Policy reforms prioritizing strategies to reduce psychological issues and integrating mental health services into healthcare delivery are discussed and recommended.