Coping mechanisms for students with mental disorders : an exploratory qualitative study at Busitema University’s Mbale and Busia campuses.

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dc.contributor.authorKagoya, Enid Kawala
dc.contributor.authorMpagi, Joseph
dc.contributor.authorWaako, Paul
dc.contributor.authorMuhwezi, Martha R. L.
dc.contributor.authorNamaganda, Agnes
dc.contributor.authorNsubuga, Allan G.
dc.contributor.authorAtala, Christine Etoko
dc.contributor.authorOkello, Francis
dc.contributor.authorOkibure, Ambrose
dc.contributor.authorKibuuka, Ronald
dc.contributor.authorWandera, Ernest
dc.contributor.authorNdamanywa, Kalisiti
dc.contributor.authorKirabira, Joseph
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-17T09:33:51Z
dc.date.available2026-07-17T09:33:51Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.descriptionResearch article
dc.description.abstractIn 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
dc.description.sponsorshipBusitema University
dc.identifier.citationKagoya, E. K., Mpagi, J., Waako, P., Muhwezi, M. R. L., Namaganda, A., Nsubuga, A. G., Atala, C. E., Okello, F., Okibure, A., Kibuuka, R., Wandera, E., Ndamanywa, K., & Kirabira, J. (2025). Coping mechanisms for students with mental disorders: An exploratory qualitative study at Busitema University’s Mbale and Busia Campuses. PLOS Global Public Health, 5(1), e0002113. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0002113
dc.identifier.urihttps://bdears.busitema.ac.ug/handle/123456789/7998
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherPLOS One
dc.titleCoping mechanisms for students with mental disorders : an exploratory qualitative study at Busitema University’s Mbale and Busia campuses.
dc.typeArticle
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