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ItemStigma, Coping Strategies, and Psychological Wellbeing among Pregnant Teens in Arua District.(Makerere University, 2026)This study examined how stigma affects the mental well-being of pregnant teenagers in the Greater Arua District and explored coping strategies to mitigate these effects. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between stigma, coping strategies, and psychological well-being amongst pregnant teens in Arua district. The study utilized a quantitative approach and correlational research design. SPSS process macro was employed to examine the impact of coping strategies on the correlation between stigma and psychological well-being. Data were collected through purposive sampling technique from 193 pregnant teens. The results revealed significant relationship between; stigma and coping strategies. (stigma and problem focused coping strategies (r=.450** p (.000) <0.05), stigma and emotional focused coping strategies (r=.576** p (.000) < 0.05) and stigma with avoidance coping strategies (r=.524** p (.000) < 0.05), Coping strategies and psychological well-being (r=-154* p (.033) <0.05) and stigma and psychological well-being(r=-289** p (.000) < 0.05). The study also discovered that the relationship between stigma and psychological well-being is moderated by coping strategies, (p=.001). The study concluded that addressing stigma at both individual and societal levels while promoting effective coping mechanisms enhances psychological well-being. Future research is recommended to explore longitudinal relationships among these variables and to examine culturally responsive interventions that can further support psychological well-being in stigmatized populations particularly pregnant Teens. The study recommends that Policy makers and local authorities in Arua District formulate policies that can protect the rights of pregnant teenagers from stigma and Government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations collaborate together to design projects that can rebuild resilience and better coping mechanisms among pregnant teenagers in Arua District.
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ItemChildhood Trauma, Emotional Intelligence, and Impulsive Behavior among School-Going Adolescents in Kawempe Division.(Makerere University, 2026)This study investigated the relationship between childhood trauma, emotional intelligence, and impulsive behavior among school-going adolescents in Kawempe Division, Kampala District. A correlational cross-sectional design was employed, involving 167 adolescents aged 13 to 19 years selected through stratified random sampling across three secondary schools. Data were collected using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Descriptive statistics revealed that 79.6% of participants had experienced moderate to severe levels of childhood trauma, 58.1% demonstrated moderate emotional intelligence, and 67.7% exhibited elevated impulsive behavior. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between emotional intelligence and impulsive behavior (r = –.462, p < .001), and a significant positive relationship between childhood trauma and impulsive behavior (r = .514, p < .001). Process macro confirmed emotional intelligence as a significant predictor of impulsive behavior (β = –.462, p < .001), accounting for 21.3% of the variance. Mediation analysis revealed that emotional intelligence partially mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and impulsive behavior, reducing the direct effect of trauma on impulsivity. These findings underscore the need for trauma-informed, emotionally focused interventions within school-based mental health frameworks targeting adolescents in urban Ugandan settings.
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ItemLived Experiences and Mental Health Challenges of Female Sex Workers in Mbarara City in Uganda(Makerere University, 2026-01-10)Sex work in Uganda is shaped by a complex interplay of poverty, stigma, and structural inequities, exposing female sex workers (FSWs) to heightened risks of violence, exploitation, and poor mental health outcomes. This study explored the lived experiences of female sex workers in Mbarara City, Uganda, with a focus on their mental health challenges and the psychosocial interventions available to them. Guided by social stress theory, the research employed a qualitative phenomenological design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with participants recruited via purposive and snowball sampling until saturation was reached. Thematic analysis revealed that entry into sex work was largely driven by survival needs, family responsibilities, marital breakdown, and lack of economic opportunities. Participants reported pervasive stigma, social isolation, and exposure to violence, which contributed to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, suicidal ideation, and substance use. While some psychosocial interventions including peer support networks, NGO-led health and counselling services, and informal savings groups were available, their accessibility and utility were limited by stigma, inadequate resources, and structural barriers. The study concludes that FSWs in Uganda face intersecting vulnerabilities that undermine their psychological well-being. It recommends strengthening tailored psychosocial interventions, expanding mental health services, addressing structural inequalities, and reducing stigma through advocacy and policy reforms to improve the overall health and resilience of this marginalized population.
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ItemThe Burden of Informal Caregiving, Perceived Social Support, and the Psychological Well-Being of Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Kampala(Makerere University, 2026-01-09)Informal caregiving for children with cerebral palsy places substantial psychological demands on caregivers, particularly in low-resource settings where formal support services are limited. This study examined the relationship between informal caregiving, perceived social support, and psychological well-being among caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Kampala. A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was employed. Data were collected from 44 primary caregivers attending rehabilitation and therapy services at the Kampala Capital City Authority Education Assessment and Resource Service Centre and the Mukisa Foundation. Standardised self-report instruments were used to assess informal caregiving burden, perceived social support, and psychological well-being. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and PROCESS macro analysis in SPSS. The findings indicated no statistically significant relationship between informal caregiving and psychological well-being (r = −0.077, p = .620), nor between informal caregiving and perceived social support (r = 0.288, p = .058). However, perceived social support was significantly and positively associated with psychological well-being (r = 0.315, p = .037). Mediation analysis showed that informal caregiving did not significantly predict perceived social support (B = 0.210, SE = 0.108, p = .058), while perceived social support significantly predicted psychological well-being when controlling for informal caregiving (B = 0.182, SE = 0.075, p = .020) The findings underscore the importance of perceived social support in promoting psychological well-being among caregivers of children with cerebral palsy, even when caregiving burden remains high. Although perceived social support did not mediate the relationship between informal caregiving and psychological well-being, it emerged as a significant independent predictor of caregivers’ mental health. These results highlight the need for psychosocial interventions and community-based support systems tailored to informal caregivers. The study was limited by its small sample size, reliance on self-report measures, and cross-sectional design, which restrict generalizability and preclude causal inference. Future research should employ larger, more diverse samples and longitudinal designs to better capture the dynamics of caregiving, social support, and psychological well-being.
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ItemExamining the Relationship between Body Image, Social Media Usage, and General Mental Health among Makerere University Undergraduate Students(Makerere University, 2026-01-10)General Mental Health is a worldwide phenomenon that affects nearly every aspect of individuals' daily lives. There has been a drastic increase in the factors that could be affecting the mental health of individuals, in this age of internet and individual appearance; body image and social media usage might be contributing factors affecting general mental health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body image, social media usage, and general mental health among undergraduate students in Makerere University. A stratified sample of 379 undergraduate students, comprising 206 males, from all colleges in the university, completed self-administered questionnaires as part of a cross-sectional correlational study. Body image was assessed using the Body Image State Scale (BISS), social media usage was assessed using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), and general mental health was evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Descriptive frequencies, Pearson correlation, and process macro were used to test the hypotheses in SPSS. The results reveal that a significant positive correlation was seen between body image and general mental health (r=.144, p<0.05), and body image and social media usage (r=-.336, p<.001). However, there was no significant relationship between social media usage and general mental health; hence, social media did not mediate the relationship between body image and general mental health. In conclusion, body image affected general mental health and social media usage. Further research on social media usage should be considered, especially due to the significance of social media in this era of technology.