Conceptualization of mental health among students of social work and social administration Makerere University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the conceptualization of mental health among social work and social administration students of Makerere University. The study was guided by three objectives namely (i) to examine the meaning of mental health to social work and social administration students of Makerere university, (ii) to describe the different mental health related problems among social work and social administration students of Makerere University, and (iii) to explore the available support for social work and social administration students with mental health difficulties at Makerere University. The study was purely qualitative in nature and employed a convenience sampling strategy to identify the respondents. The sample size of the study was relatively small with a number of eight primary participants and two focus group discussions. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and was analysed using thematic analysis method. The findings of the study were presented in thematic form so as to enhance quicker and better understanding of the way and manner in which social work and social administration students of Makerere University conceptualize mental health. The findings of the study highlighted that mental health is understood differently among social work students. Some define it as a complete state of mental wellness while others conceptualized it from a community perspective that incorporates good behaviour as well as religiosity. The study highlighted a number of mental health problems among social work and social administration students. The study concluded with recommendations to improve the mental health of social work and social administration students at Makerere University.