Mental Health in Relation to Xenophobic Experiences among African University Students in South Africa.

Objectives: Despite students from the African continent making up the majority of international students in South Africa, no studies have specifically assessed the association between xenophobia and perceived mental health outcomes in this population. We sought to ascertain the prevalence, types, associated features, and mental health associations of xenophobic experiences at a South African Higher Education Institution. Specifically, we examined xenophobic experiences and everyday discrimination of African postgraduate students as well as the impact of these experiences.

Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study of African postgraduate students between December 2020 and March 2021. One hundred and sixty-one participants completed the online survey.

Results: Nearly half (72; 44.52%) reported experiencing xenophobia. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant associations between xenophobia and depression (p = 0.021), anxiety (p = 0.009), and PTSD symptoms (p = 0.001), but not with alcohol use (p = 0.687). On multivariate analysis, social support had a significant moderating effect on the association between xenophobia and PTSD severity (p = 0.008).

Conclusion: Findings from this study can inform interventions, such as improved access to mental health care for African international students in South Africa that may produce substantial benefits in terms of mental health and related outcomes.