School of Distance and Lifelong Learning (SDLL) Collection
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ItemSocial media use and mental health among university students in Kampala, Uganda : exploring perceptions, experiences, and coping mechanisms(Makerere University, 2025)The rapid expansion of social media use among young people has raised critical questions about its impact on mental health. This study explored the perceptions, lived experiences, and coping mechanisms of university students in Kampala regarding the influence of social media on their psychological well-being. Guided by Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, the research adopted a qualitative phenomenological design to capture the nuanced ways students interpret and respond to social media use. Eleven Makerere University students, purposively selected for their active engagement with social media, participated in in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed thematically to uncover recurrent patterns and meanings. Findings reveal that students hold ambivalent views of social media: it is both a source of connection, inspiration, and academic support, as well as a contributor to stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. Positive experiences included emotional support from peers, access to information, and enhanced self-expression, while negative experiences were marked by cyberbullying, unhealthy social comparison, time displacement, and “social media fatigue.” The study further highlighted the coping strategies students employed, ranging from self-regulation practices such as digital detox and content curation, to seeking peer or professional support. Students also expressed the need for institutional interventions, including digital wellness workshops, strengthened counseling services, and integration of media literacy into university programs. The study concludes that social media plays a dual role in shaping students’ mental health, presenting both opportunities for empowerment and risks of psychological distress. It recommends that universities adopt a holistic approach combining personal, peer, and institutional strategies to foster healthier digital habits and support mental well-being. These insights contribute to the limited body of localized research on youth, social media, and mental health in Uganda, and offer practical implications for policymakers, educators, and mental health practitioners.
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ItemThe influence of family relationships on mental health of the youth in Nakawa Division, Kampala Capital City(Makerere University, 2025)Youth mental health is a growing concern globally, with family relationships playing a crucial role in influencing emotional and psychological wellbeing. This study investigated the influence of family relationships on the mental health of youth aged 16–24 in Nakawa Division, Kampala Capital City. The specific objectives were to understand the types of supportive and nurturing family relationships that promote better mental health, examine how strong family bonds, effective communication, and emotional support mitigate mental health challenges, and explore the broader effects of mental health on young people’s lives. The study adopted a qualitative research design to explore the complex nature of family dynamics and mental health. This approach allowed for a deep understanding of participants' lived experiences. Data were collected through in-depth interviews which enabled the gathering of rich, contextual insights. A sample of 20 respondents was used, consisting of 10 youth (aged 16–24) and 10 parents or guardians who were directly involved in the lives of the youth. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure relevance and depth of information. This sample size was adequate for achieving data saturation, where no new themes emerged. The data collected was analyzed through thematic data analysis approach. Findings revealed that emotionally supportive family relationships characterized by trust, open communication, and shared values significantly enhanced youth mental health. These relationships fostered resilience, reduced stress and anxiety, and promoted emotional stability. However, the study also uncovered barriers such as stigma, cultural taboos, and generational gaps, which hinder open communication within families. The study concludes that strengthening family-based support systems, promoting mental health literacy, and expanding access to youth-friendly services are essential in addressing youth mental health challenges. It recommends community sensitization, parent training, and future research on peer and social media influences to better inform interventions targeting young people’s wellbeing.
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ItemYouth transition from school to work: A case study of Mukono Municipality(Makererre university, 2025)This study investigates the transition of youth from school to work in Mukono Municipality, Uganda, focusing on the experiences, barriers, opportunities, and role of education, skills development, family background, social networks, and community resources in shaping their career pathways. Data was collected from 118 youth aged 15-35 using a mixed-methods approach, with data analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data thematically. The findings reveal significant challenges, including scarcity of employment opportunities, lack of relevant work experience, insufficient skills, and difficulty adapting to work environments. Social networks and community support play a crucial role in facilitating smoother transitions. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers, educational institutions, and local stakeholders to improve the school-to-work transition process for youth in Mukono Municipality. Key challenges identified include a lack of effective career guidance in schools, intense competition for scarce formal jobs, and insufficient capital for entrepreneurship. Existing support systems, such as government programs, suffer from low awareness and are often perceived as difficult to access. The school-to-work transition in Mukono is a complex, often unstructured process heavily influenced by a skills gap and social-economic factors. It recommends a multi-stakeholder approach involving curriculum reform to integrate practical and soft skills, strengthen career guidance services, fostering stronger school-industry linkages, and making youth support programs more accessible and relevant to the local context.
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ItemYouth transition from school to work : a case study of Mukono Municipality(Makerere University, 2025)This study investigates the transition of youth from school to work in Mukono Municipality, Uganda, focusing on the experiences, barriers, opportunities, and role of education, skills development, family background, social networks, and community resources in shaping their career pathways. Data was collected from 118 youth aged 15-35 using a mixed-methods approach, with data analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data thematically. The findings reveal significant challenges, including scarcity of employment opportunities, lack of relevant work experience, insufficient skills, and difficulty adapting to work environments. Social networks and community support play a crucial role in facilitating smoother transitions. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers, educational institutions, and local stakeholders to improve the school-to-work transition process for youth in Mukono Municipality. Key challenges identified include a lack of effective career guidance in schools, intense competition for scarce formal jobs, and insufficient capital for entrepreneurship. Existing support systems, such as government programs, suffer from low awareness and are often perceived as difficult to access. The school-to work transition in Mukono is a complex, often unstructured process heavily influenced by a skills gap and social-economic factors. It recommends a multi-stakeholder approach involving curriculum reform to integrate practical and soft skills, strengthen career guidance services, fostering stronger school-industry linkages, and making youth support programs more accessible and relevant to the local context
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ItemDomestic violence and drug abuse among teenagers in Lira city.(Makerere University, 2024-10-16)This study explores the relationship between domestic violence and drug abuse among teenagers in Lira City, Uganda, a critical public health and social concern. Domestic violence, a widespread issue in sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including teenagers. Similarly, drug abuse has become an increasing problem among the youth in this region. The study investigates how domestic violence contributes to drug misuse among teenagers, focusing on its prevalence, the rate of drug abuse, and the correlation between the two factors. A qualitative research approach was adopted, utilizing in-depth interviews to collect data from teenagers who had experienced domestic violence and drug abuse. Through thematic analysis, the study identified patterns linking domestic violence to psychological trauma, which often serves as a trigger for substance misuse. The findings revealed a high prevalence of domestic violence, with emotional and physical abuse being the most common forms experienced by teenagers. Drug abuse was identified as a coping mechanism for managing the psychological and emotional consequences of violence, particularly among those with repeated exposure to such environments. The study provides valuable insights into the social dynamics that fuel drug misuse in Lira City and offers evidence for developing targeted interventions to address the intertwined issues of domestic violence and drug abuse among the youth. Recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders are provided to foster healthier coping strategies and reduce the long-term impact of these issues on teenagers' well-being. Keywords: Domestic violence, drug abuse, teenagers, Lira City.