The pursuit of success in post-conflict Iraq: a systematic review of university students’ mental health

University students face significant mental health challenges from academic, social, and conflict stressors. Students in Iraq are facing a severe mental health crisis, mainly due to conflict, economic insecurity, and academic tension, with recent studies showing extremely high rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. A systematic review of relevant articles revealed high rates of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychological distress, and substance use. Barriers to mental health services include stigma, lack of resources, workforce shortages, and violence. Findings from this review can inform policymakers and future research to prioritise student mental health. Future interventions should focus on community-based services, community resources, stigma reduction, mental health literacy, training of academics, and longitudinal studies for sustainable policies.