Closing the measurement gap for adolescent mental health: Validating the SDQ in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical period for the development of mental health disorders, making early identification during this time essential for enabling targeted interventions and preventing long-term adverse consequences. Globally, one in seven adolescents experiences poor mental health, including depression and anxiety, yet many countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, face a scarcity of mental healthcare provisions.