Longitudinal Trends in Mental Health Services Utilization Among Urban Adolescent Migrants in Lagos, Nigeria

Urban adolescent migrants in Lagos, Nigeria face unique mental health challenges due to cultural adaptation, social isolation, and economic stress. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative survey data from the National Adolescent Health Survey with qualitative interviews to explore service barriers and facilitators. Utilization of mental health services among migrant adolescents decreased by 35% over the decade, indicating a potential decline in access due to economic hardships. The longitudinal study reveals that socio-economic factors significantly impact adolescent migrants' engagement with mental health services in Lagos. Policy-makers should prioritise targeted interventions and financial support for migrant adolescents to improve their access to mental health services.