Mapping the landscape of research on the mental health needs and experiences of children and young people in Central Asia: scoping review

Abstract

Background In Central Asia, investment in youth mental health research and practice remains limited despite widespread exposure of children and young people to social adversity, including poverty, marginalisation and violence. Evidence is needed to direct resources towards youth mental health and inform interventions. Aims This scoping review aimed to map existing research on the mental health needs and experiences of children and young people in Central Asia, to inform opportunities for further research, policy and practice. Method Following Joanna Briggs Institute (2015) guidance, we searched five databases (Ovid Medline, PsychINFO, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science) and Google Scholar to retrieve peer-reviewed studies in English, with inclusion criteria applied. Results Forty eligible studies published between 2013 and 2025 were identified, mostly based in Kazakhstan. Study populations included children and adolescents (aged 3–19 years), university students, participants across life stages and adults involved in young people’s care. Samples included general populations and groups with specific conditions or lived experiences. Research topics included the following: (a) anxiety and affective disorders; (b) suicide; (c) well-being and quality of life; (d) promoting mental health and resilience; (e) substance use; and (f) other mental health difficulties. Most studies employed quantitative cross-sectional designs, focusing on prevalence and risk and protective factors. Conclusions Studies included a range of populations, including children, adolescents, university students and caregivers, and topics including common mental health disorders, suicide and well-being. Nevertheless, more rigorous and contextually relevant research is needed to inform policies and interventions for children and young people in Central Asia.