Psychosocial Determinants of Marital Dissolution and Their Mental Health Implications in Urban Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study in Mukono District
1
Public health, Uganda martyrs University, KAMAPALA, Uganda
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Marital dissolution is a pressing public health concern and a major psychosocial stressor with significant mental health implications. The breakdown of marital relationships is associated with increased risk of emotional distress, trauma, depressive symptoms, attachment insecurity, maladaptive coping, chronic stress and role strain, which may contribute to noncommunicable diseases, particularly in urbanising settings. Uganda’s high prevalence of marital dissolution in sub-Saharan Africa (18.6%) highlights a critical gap in understanding psychosocial factors shaping marital instability in urban contexts A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 452 married, separated, and divorced individuals in Mukono District, Uganda. Participants were selected through random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using STATA version 15. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals estimated to identify socio-demographic, relational, and psychosocial factors associated with marital dissolution The prevalence of marital dissolution was 37.2%. Factors associated with increased vulnerability included men marrying at ≥30 years (aPR = 2.06), marital duration of 4–10 years (aPR = 1.96), higher female education (aPR = 1.67), employment disagreements (aPR = 2.87), peer influence (aPR = 2.48), spouse insecurity (aPR = 1.30), infidelity with a close friend (aPR = 3.12), and social media–related extramarital affairs (aPR = 1.71). Protective factors included a moderate age gap of 5–9 years (aPR = 0.72), higher education among both spouses, family planning support (aPR = 0.51), equitable financial decision-making (aPR = 0.78), positive cultural practices (aPR = 0.70), constructive social media communication (aPR = 0.78), and religious practices (aPR = 0.70). More than one-third of urban households in Mukono District have experienced marital dissolution, largely shaped by psychosocial conditions influencing mental and emotional well-being within intimate relationships. Integrating mental health and psychosocial support into marital counselling, reproductive health services, and community programmes may strengthen relational stability and promote mental well-being in urbanising settings
Marital dissolution is a pressing public health concern and a major psychosocial stressor with significant mental health implications. The breakdown of marital relationships is associated with increased risk of emotional distress, trauma, depressive symptoms, attachment insecurity, maladaptive coping, chronic stress and role strain, which may contribute to noncommunicable diseases, particularly in urbanising settings. Uganda’s high prevalence of marital dissolution in sub-Saharan Africa (18.6%) highlights a critical gap in understanding psychosocial factors shaping marital instability in urban contexts A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 452 married, separated, and divorced individuals in Mukono District, Uganda. Participants were selected through random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using STATA version 15. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals estimated to identify socio-demographic, relational, and psychosocial factors associated with marital dissolution The prevalence of marital dissolution was 37.2%. Factors associated with increased vulnerability included men marrying at ≥30 years (aPR = 2.06), marital duration of 4–10 years (aPR = 1.96), higher female education (aPR = 1.67), employment disagreements (aPR = 2.87), peer influence (aPR = 2.48), spouse insecurity (aPR = 1.30), infidelity with a close friend (aPR = 3.12), and social media–related extramarital affairs (aPR = 1.71). Protective factors included a moderate age gap of 5–9 years (aPR = 0.72), higher education among both spouses, family planning support (aPR = 0.51), equitable financial decision-making (aPR = 0.78), positive cultural practices (aPR = 0.70), constructive social media communication (aPR = 0.78), and religious practices (aPR = 0.70). More than one-third of urban households in Mukono District have experienced marital dissolution, largely shaped by psychosocial conditions influencing mental and emotional well-being within intimate relationships. Integrating mental health and psychosocial support into marital counselling, reproductive health services, and community programmes may strengthen relational stability and promote mental well-being in urbanising settings
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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