海外发展研究所-“我不平静”：新冠病毒对坦桑尼亚青少年心理健康的影响（英）-2021.8-16页_1mb

Summary: "I am not at peace": Covid-19 Impacts on Mental Health of Adolescents in Tanzania

Core Content

This ODI Country Study explores the mental health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on adolescents aged 11–19 in Tanzania, highlighting the complex interplay between individual, family, and community-level factors. The research was conducted in two regions of Tanzania: Mwanza (more urban) and Morogoro (more rural), with a total of 93 qualitative interviews across various methods.

Main Findings

1. Individual-Level Effects

• Adolescents reported increased stress, loneliness, and fear due to the uncertainties surrounding their future, education, and the local economy.
• School closures were a major source of anxiety, as they disrupted routines and social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation and uncertainty.
• Many adolescents felt that online education was not an option, as most lacked access to computers and internet, and schools did not offer remote learning.
• Misinformation on social media and within communities caused confusion and heightened fear, with some adolescents perceiving the pandemic as more deadly than it was.
• Economic concerns about reduced opportunities and job losses added to the stress, particularly for boys who often worked outside school hours.

2. Family/Household-Level Effects

• Tensions and conflicts emerged within families due to the prolonged school closures and economic pressures.
• Parents, especially in polygamous or economically vulnerable households, often pushed daughters into early marriage or domestic work to alleviate household financial strain.
• Lack of parental supervision during lockdowns increased the risk of unintended pregnancies and abortions among adolescent girls.
• Some parents restricted children's attendance at school out of fear of contracting the virus, which led to further stress and anxiety among adolescents.
• Gender differences were evident, with girls more likely to be affected by early marriage and unintended pregnancies, while boys faced challenges related to employment and hopelessness.

3. Community-Level Effects

• Misinformation played a significant role in shaping community responses, leading to fear and anxiety.
• Fear of the virus influenced migration decisions, with some families considering leaving the country to avoid the disease.
• Community safety improved in some areas due to reduced movement and activity, but this was offset by increased drug use among youth who had more time to spend with friends.
• Healthcare access was affected by increased costs, social distancing measures, and fear of infection, leading to delays in seeking formal health services.

Key Information

• Project Overview: The study is part of a larger initiative funded by Fondation Botnar, led by ODI, with local partners in Tanzania and Viet Nam.
• Methodology: Mixed methods were used, including in-depth interviews (IDs), family case studies (FCS), focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KII).
• Data Collection: Conducted in March 2021 in Mwanza and Morogoro, with a total of 93 interactions.
• Government Response: Tanzania did not implement a lockdown but closed schools and restricted gatherings. The government has not regularly updated Covid-19 data, though it has applied to join COVAX.
• Healthcare Impact: Health providers reported no significant increase in mental health service use, with some noting a reduction due to fear of infection. Digital mental health services were not widely adopted at the time of data collection.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly affected the mental health of Tanzanian adolescents, with gendered impacts evident. Girls were more likely to face early marriage and unintended pregnancies, while boys experienced stress over lack of work opportunities. Misinformation and economic uncertainty were key drivers of mental distress. The socio-ecological model (see Figure 2) illustrates how individual, family, and community factors interact to influence mental well-being. Addressing these issues requires tailored mental health support and improved communication strategies to combat misinformation and support vulnerable groups.

Citations

• Leon-Himmelstine, C., Kyungu, E., Amani, E. et al. (2021) 'I am not a peace': Covid-19 impacts on mental health of adolescents in Tanzania, ODI Country study, London: ODI (www.odi.org/en/publications/covid-19-impacts-on-mental-health-of-adolescents-in-tanzania).
• ^2: Table 1: Number of qualitative interviews conducted, by type and site.
• ^3: School closures and public restrictions implemented between March–June 2021.
• ^4: As of 10 August 2021, 1,017 confirmed cases and 21 deaths.
• ^5: Tanzania has applied to join COVAX.
• ^6: Schools in research sites did not offer online learning.
• ^7: Parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers play a crucial role in addressing adolescents' mental health.
• ^8: Similar gendered impacts observed during the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone.
• ^9: Similar patterns observed in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the Ebola outbreak.