Alvan Journal of Social Sciences (AJSS)

ISSN: 1595-5842 | E-ISSN: 3043-5463 | DOI Registered with Crossref | Google Indexed

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← Volume 3, Issue 2 Contents

MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT (MHPSS) SYSTEMS FOR YOUTH IN CONFLICT AREAS: GAPS, EQUITY, AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS FROM

Abdullahi Abdulwahab Yakubu; 2Zeenat Abdulsalam; 1Summayyah Muhammad Bashar; 1Audu Ishaq Aveka; 3Mivanyi Musa Murinyi; Bashir Adam Yakasai

Journal: Alvan Journal of Social Sciences
Volume/Issue: 3(2), 2026
Pages: 14-22
DOI: 10.67638/ajss-2026-v3-i2-002
Keywords: Conflict, Equity, Mental Health, Policy, Psychosocial Support, Youth
Corresponding author: Abdullahi Abdulwahab Yakubu
Email: ayabdullahi@abu.edu.ng

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Abstract

Youth in protracted conflict zones face severe mental health and psychosocial challenges, yet MHPSS systems in these settings are often fragmented and understudied. This mixed-methods study assessed the availability, accessibility, and equity of MHPSS for youth (15-24 years) in Northwest Nigeria, a region severely affected by banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder conflicts. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 412 youth across three states (Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara), complemented by 24 in-depth interviews with youth, caregivers, and 15 key informant interviews with policymakers, health workers, and NGO staff. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi- square tests, while qualitative data underwent critical interpretive policy analysis. Results revealed critical gaps: only 18.2% of youth with self-reported significant distress accessed any formal MHPSS service. Key barriers included stigma (67.0%), cost (58.3%), and lack of awareness (61.4%). Significant inequities were observed by location (urban vs. rural), gender, and displacement status. Qualitative findings highlighted a disjointed, crisis-driven policy landscape dominated by non-state actors, with minimal government stewardship or youth participation. The study concludes that the MHPSS system in Northwest Nigeria is inadequately resourced, inequitably distributed, and poorly integrated into broader health and social protection frameworks. Urgent policy actions are required to strengthen public-sector leadership, fund community-based interventions, mainstream MHPSS into primary healthcare and education, and actively engage youth in programme design, with particular attention to marginalized subgroups.

Citation

Abdullahi Abdulwahab Yakubu; 2Zeenat Abdulsalam; 1Summayyah Muhammad Bashar; 1Audu Ishaq Aveka; 3Mivanyi Musa Murinyi; Bashir Adam Yakasai (2026). MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT (MHPSS) SYSTEMS FOR YOUTH IN CONFLICT AREAS: GAPS, EQUITY, AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS FROM. Alvan Journal of Social Sciences, 3(2), 14-22. https://doi.org/10.67638/ajss-2026-v3-i2-002

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MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT (MHPSS) SYSTEMS FOR YOUTH IN CONFLICT AREAS: GAPS, EQUITY, AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS FROM

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