Knowledge and perceptions of climate change impacts on mental health in vulnerable populations in Africa: A scoping review

Background Climate change is an escalating global health threat with underexplored implications for mental health. In Africa, vulnerable populations face disproportionate exposure to climate-related stressors; however, evidence regarding their knowledge and perceptions of climate-related mental health impacts remains fragmented. This scoping review mapped and synthesized evidence on how vulnerable populations in Africa understand and perceive the mental health impacts of climate change, and identified key geographical, methodological, and conceptual gaps to inform future research and policy. Methods This review followed the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework and was reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Comprehensive searches were conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, The Lancet, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Eligible studies examined knowledge, perceptions, or awareness of climate change–related mental health outcomes among vulnerable populations in Africa. Data were extracted and synthesized using descriptive and thematic analysis. Results From 1299 records identified, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in East and West Africa, particularly Kenya and Ghana, and predominantly employed mixed-methods designs. Climate-related exposures included drought, flooding, extreme heat, storms, and water insecurity. Across studies, these exposures were repeatedly reported with adverse mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and suicidal ideation. Knowledge and perceptions of climate change were experiential and culturally mediated, rather than grounded in formal scientific frameworks. Women, pastoralists, rural communities, migrants, and marginalized groups were identified as disproportionately vulnerable. Conclusion This scoping review maps a small and geographically uneven body of African literature in which climate-related stressors and adverse mental health outcomes are repeatedly reported together among vulnerable populations. Integrating mental health considerations into climate adaptation and disaster response strategies is warranted. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs and underrepresented regions to strengthen the evidence base and guide appropriate policy interventions.