A Scoping Review of Behavioural Addictions and Comorbid Mental Health Disorders in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this scoping review was to examine behavioural addictions and comorbid mental health disorders while identifying gaps in the literature within the Kenyan setting. Behavioural addictions and their comorbidity with mental health disorders are an emerging global public health concern. In Kenya, research on Behavioural addictions and co-occurring disorders remains under-researched, as most studies focus more on substance use disorders (SUD). PRISMA-ScR guidelines were used to guide the conduct of this scoping review. The initial search yielded 60 articles, of which 52 peer-reviewed studies and theses published from 2018 onwards were analysed. These were retrieved from PsycINFO, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar because they were relevant to the review topic, while 8 articles were excluded because they did not focus on behavioural addictions and comorbidity. Findings indicate that gambling and problematic internet use are the most prevalent behavioural addictions, with higher rates observed among males. Mental conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD often co-exist with these disorders, pointing to shared psychological and neurological vulnerabilities across multiple comorbidities. Comorbidity complicates both diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessment. In conclusion, the findings further reveal gaps, particularly in culturally relevant research, culturally sensitive assessment tools, and integrated interventions within the Kenyan context. The review recommends the need for mental health practitioners to adopt a transdiagnostic framework in the treatment of behavioural addiction and comorbid mental disorders, address stigma and cultural misconceptions surrounding behavioural addictions, and culturally adapt assessment tools that incorporate African cultural experiences.