Self-reported mental health effects of unemployment on young people in Mdantsane, South Africa: A qualitative study

Background: South Africa has been experiencing a persistently high unemployment rate among young people. This high youth unemployment is a stressor to young people, which may culminate in mental health issues. Aim: The study aimed to describe the self-reported mental health effects of unemployment among young people in Mdantsane township, Eastern Cape province. Setting: The study was conducted in Mdantsane township, at the Lingomso Youth Centre in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach was used. Participants were recruited purposively until data saturation. Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted using a six-step approach. Results: The sample comprised 19 young people aged between 19 years and 29 years, and most were men. Two themes emerged: theme one was negative effects, which were characterised by substance use, feelings of worthlessness, stress and anxiety, masking of personality, and social isolation; theme two was that social support buffered the potential adverse effects of unemployment, and this was supported by interdependent role relationships that protected individuals from the effects of unemployment. Conclusion: There is a need to recognise mental health issues emanating from unemployment, like social isolation, to enable comprehensive, appropriate interventions for young people. Contribution: This study contributes to understanding mental health issues experienced by unemployed young people. Findings can be used to develop targeted interventions in a large township, such as Mdantsane, in South Africa.