Abstract
Background
Following the loss of several students at Busitema University faculty of health sciences and other branches, there was an urgent need to understand the factors contributing to the death of the students and it was anticipated that most of them succumbed to mental health issues. This study aimed to explore the potential factors associated with mental health disorders among students at Busitema University.
Methods
Key informant interviews were conducted among the students who were diagnosed with mental health disorders. 42 key informant interviews were conducted following a well-structured interview grid. All participants consented during the study. Each interview was audiotaped and recordings were later subjected to verbatim transcription. Each transcript was carefully reviewed by the principal investigator before the analysis. Thematic content analysis was done following a deductive approach. Dedoose software was used to support the coding and categorization of thematic areas.
Results
The results indicate that several factors associated with mental health disorders included alcohol and substance use, poor learning environment, stringent and unfavorable university policies, the big gap that exists between students and administration, relationship challenges, academic pressure, family factors (Broken families, poverty), Gambling, lack of curricular activities, poor counselling services and political pressures.
Conclusions
Considering the high propensity of mental health issues that hinder the success of students at the university level. Universities must continually evaluate their students' mental health and tailor treatment programs and other cost-effective interventions to target students specifically.