Students perception towards mental illness; A case study of Makerere University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate Students’ Perception towards mental illness a case study of Makerere University with the view to improve on mental health services at the university. The study was conducted in this area because of limited knowledge students had on mental illness; it was also conducted based on the following objectives:

To identify students’ knowledge about the causes of mental illness, students’ attitudes towards mental illness, students’ perceptions towards mental illness and finally existing mental health services at the university

The research adopted a survey design. Qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collection were used. The study sample constituted 121 respondents. The types of research instruments that were employed included; questionnaires and in depth interview guides. The findings and discussions revealed that students have knowledge about the causes of mental illness for since they noted that relationships are the main cause of mental illness among university students. The study also elaborated that students have negative attitudes towards mental illness; in addition students had no knowledge about mental health services at the university. The study therefore recommends that there is need to sensitize students about mental the mental illness and therefore need to improve on the services for mentally ill students.