Enhancing Mental Health Research and Policy Communication Campaign for Improved Human Well-being among Ugandan University Students
1
School of Education, Kyambogo University, Kampalla, Uganda
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Introduction/
BACKGROUND:
Mental health challenges among university students in Uganda are increasingly recognized as a critical public health issue. Anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders are the most common types of mental illness, often exacerbated by academic pressure, financial constraints, and social isolation. Approximately 42% of Ugandan university students report experiencing significant psychological distress, yet only 18% access formal mental health services (UBOS, 2024). Public-Private-Civic Partnerships (PPCPs) and targeted communication campaigns are emerging as strategies to improve mental health awareness, policy implementation, and student well-being. This paper examines how enhanced mental health research and policy communication campaigns can improve well-being among Ugandan university students. Key question: How effective are communication strategies in promoting mental health awareness, access to services, and supportive policies? Objectives to: (1) Assess the reach and impact of PPCPs in mental health advocacy. (2) Identify gaps, lessons, and best practices in mental health communication. (3) Strengthen policy and research linkages through digital platforms and partnerships.
METHODS:
A systematic literature review (SLR) and policy/document analysis were conducted. Communication Theory of Change guided the assessment of pathways from information dissemination to behavioral and policy outcomes. North-South-South partnerships facilitated comparative insights. Key indicators included PPCP engagement (63%), digital campaign reach (55%), and policy adoption of advocacy recommendations (39%).
RESULTS:
About 47% of students report increased awareness of counseling services after communication campaigns. Anxiety prevalence: 28%; depression: 21%; substance use: 14%. Limited campus-based mental health infrastructure (30% coverage). Successful PPCPs led to 41% of local universities integrating student mental health policies.
CONCLUSIONS:
Targeted communication campaigns, supported by PPCPs and north-south-south collaborations, enhance mental health awareness and policy adoption. Recommendations include expanding digital mental health platforms, integrating mental health curricula, and formalizing inter-university PPCPs.
Introduction/
BACKGROUND:
Mental health challenges among university students in Uganda are increasingly recognized as a critical public health issue. Anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders are the most common types of mental illness, often exacerbated by academic pressure, financial constraints, and social isolation. Approximately 42% of Ugandan university students report experiencing significant psychological distress, yet only 18% access formal mental health services (UBOS, 2024). Public-Private-Civic Partnerships (PPCPs) and targeted communication campaigns are emerging as strategies to improve mental health awareness, policy implementation, and student well-being. This paper examines how enhanced mental health research and policy communication campaigns can improve well-being among Ugandan university students. Key question: How effective are communication strategies in promoting mental health awareness, access to services, and supportive policies? Objectives to: (1) Assess the reach and impact of PPCPs in mental health advocacy. (2) Identify gaps, lessons, and best practices in mental health communication. (3) Strengthen policy and research linkages through digital platforms and partnerships.
METHODS:
A systematic literature review (SLR) and policy/document analysis were conducted. Communication Theory of Change guided the assessment of pathways from information dissemination to behavioral and policy outcomes. North-South-South partnerships facilitated comparative insights. Key indicators included PPCP engagement (63%), digital campaign reach (55%), and policy adoption of advocacy recommendations (39%).
RESULTS:
About 47% of students report increased awareness of counseling services after communication campaigns. Anxiety prevalence: 28%; depression: 21%; substance use: 14%. Limited campus-based mental health infrastructure (30% coverage). Successful PPCPs led to 41% of local universities integrating student mental health policies.
CONCLUSIONS:
Targeted communication campaigns, supported by PPCPs and north-south-south collaborations, enhance mental health awareness and policy adoption. Recommendations include expanding digital mental health platforms, integrating mental health curricula, and formalizing inter-university PPCPs.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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