Factors associated with mental health disorders among students at Busitema University, an exploratory qualitative study among students at Mbale and Busia campus.

BackgroundFollowing 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. MethodsKey informant interviews were conducted among the students who were diagnosed with mental health disorders. A total of 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 prior to the analysis. Thematic content analysis was done following a deductive approach. Dedoose software was used to support the coding and categorization of thematic areas. ResultsThe results indicate that several factors associated with mental health disorders included alcohol and substance use, poor learning environment, stringent and unfavourable 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. ConclusionsConsidering the high propensity of mental health issues that hinder the success of students at the university level. Its worth paramount for universities to continually evaluate the mental health of their students and tailor treatment programs and other cost-effective interventions to specifically target students.