Kagoya Enid Kawala, Mpagi Joseph, Waako Paul, Muhwezi Martha R L, Namaganda Agnes, Nsubuga Allan G, Atala Christine Etoko, Okello Francis, Okibure Ambrose, Kibuuka Ronald, Wandera Ernest, Ndamanywa Kalisiti, Kirabira Joseph
Department of Community Health, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Mbale, Uganda.
Department of Academics, Research and Innovation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Mbale, Uganda.
PLOS Glob Public Health. 2025 Jan 3;5(1):e0002113. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002113. eCollection 2025.
In recent years, Ugandan universities have faced a rising incidence of mental health issues among students, with prevalence rates of mental disorders reaching up to 60% among undergraduates. These challenges significantly impact both academic performance and social interactions. This study aimed to investigate the coping mechanisms among students with mental disorders at Busitema University. We conducted 42 key informant interviews with students diagnosed with mental disorders, as determined by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Interviews were guided by a structured protocol developed by the research team, and all participants provided informed consent. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. This approach was chosen for its efficiency and directness. Nvivo software facilitated the coding and organization of themes. The study identified several coping strategies used by students at the two Busitema University campuses. Five main themes emerged: Alcohol and Substance Use, Use of Sedatives, Social and Personal Initiatives, Seeking Counseling Services, Withdrawal and Confrontation, and Faith Healing. Various subthemes were also noted, including substance use, withdrawal, confrontations, witchcraft, participation in co-curricular activities, abortions, and seeking psychosocial support. These findings are detailed in Table 2. Addressing the mental health challenges faced by university students requires a thorough understanding of their coping strategies. While some strategies are self-developed, others involve university-led interventions. It is crucial to reinforce effective coping mechanisms and address detrimental ones to improve students' mental health outcomes. Mental disorders, coping strategies, university students, Uganda.
近年来，乌干达的大学面临着学生心理健康问题发生率不断上升的情况，本科生中精神障碍的患病率高达60%。这些挑战对学业成绩和社交互动都产生了重大影响。本研究旨在调查布西泰马大学患有精神障碍的学生的应对机制。我们对通过迷你国际神经精神访谈确诊患有精神障碍的学生进行了42次关键 informant访谈。访谈由研究团队制定的结构化协议指导，所有参与者均提供了知情同意书。访谈进行了录音，逐字转录，并使用主题分析进行分析。选择这种方法是因为其效率和直接性。Nvivo软件促进了主题的编码和组织。该研究确定了布西泰马大学两个校区的学生使用的几种应对策略。出现了五个主要主题：酒精和物质使用、镇静剂的使用、社会和个人倡议、寻求咨询服务、退缩和对抗以及信仰治疗。还注意到了各种子主题，包括物质使用、退缩、对抗、巫术、参与课外活动、堕胎以及寻求心理社会支持。这些发现详见表2。应对大学生面临的心理健康挑战需要深入了解他们的应对策略。虽然一些策略是学生自行制定的，但其他策略则涉及大学主导的干预措施。加强有效的应对机制并解决有害的应对机制对于改善学生的心理健康结果至关重要。精神障碍、应对策略、大学生、乌干达。
