A Literature Review of Health and Mental Well-being Indicators and Its Assessment in Sub-Saharan Africa (2014-2022)

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Multiple factors shape health and mental well-being (MWB). These factors are
\nconsidered indicators for a holistic assessment of the well-being construct. Analyzing existing
\nliterature on indicators related to health and MWB is necessary to support a comprehensive
\nevaluation in the sub-Saharan African context to assess and improve the population’s health and
\nMWB.
\nMETHODS : This study is a literature review conducted by adapting the POWER framework
\nwhile leveraging the Web of Science (WoS) database, complemented with random Google-led
\nsearches. Leveraging the POWER framework, this paper reviewed related literature on mental
\nhealth and well-being (HWB) to provide a framework for action.
\nRESULTS : Going through the planning, writing, and reflection phases, of the POWER framework,
\nthe WoS database search produced 22 pieces of literature published in South Africa from 2014 to
\n2022 and 5 pieces of literature published in Nigeria from 2019 to 2022 with 26 manuscripts across
\nhigher institutions in South Africa and eight manuscripts with various organizations. The study
\nrevealed abilities to realize potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively
\nand fruitfully, and meaningful community engagement as some of the crucial mental health
\nindicators. The reviewed literature revealed that MWB as a multi-phased construct is fast gaining
\nattention in sub-Saharan African contexts.
\nCONCLUSION : This study concluded that mental HWB assessment has multiple indicators
\nbeing largely deployed linearly using Western-developed or validated assessment instruments.
\nTherefore, an adaptive health and MWB assessment with a more accurate assessment capacity
\nshould be developed as a transdicsiplinary illness prevention intervention.