Determinants of mental well-being among students at St. Bernard’s Manya Secondary School, Rakai District, Uganda: A cross-sectional study.

Godfrey  Mugisa; Alex Ruhangariyo; Rosemary  Moraa Okemwa

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2629

Authors

Godfrey Mugisa Medical Services Department, Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda.
Alex Ruhangario Paediatrics Department, Villa Maria Hospital, Kalungu, Uganda.
Rev. Sr. Rosemary Moraa Okemwa Department of Nursing, St. Lawrence Villa Maria School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kalungu, Uganda.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2629

Keywords:

Adolescent mental well-being, Secondary school students, Academic pressure, School environment, Mental health, Uganda

Abstract

Introduction:

Adolescent mental well-being is an increasing public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings where multiple social, academic, and environmental stressors intersect. This study was conducted to assess determinants of mental well-being among secondary school students in Rakai District, Uganda.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2025 among 200 students from Senior Two to Senior Six at St. Bernard’s Manya Secondary School in Rakai District, Uganda. Stratified random sampling ensured equal representation across class levels, and simple random sampling was used for enrollment of participants. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:

A total of 200 students participated, with a mean age of 16.3 ± 1.5 years. The majority were aged 15–16 years (51%, n = 102). Females constituted 63% (n = 126) of the sample, while males accounted for 37% (n = 74). A high proportion of students reported experiencing academic pressure (90%, n = 180), while nearly all respondents reported challenges related to adolescent transitions (97%, n = 194). More than half indicated a lack of peer emotional support (61%, n = 122) and exposure to substance use (56%, n = 112). Bullying was widely reported, with 83% (n = 166) experiencing it either occasionally or frequently. Over 60% (n = 120) of students indicated financial-related peer competition, 72% (n = 144) perceived school rules as unfair, and 51% (n = 102) reported inadequate teacher support for mental well-being.

Conclusion:

Mental well-being among secondary school students is influenced by a complex interplay of individual, social, and school-related factors, with academic pressure and school environment emerging as key determinants. Strengthening school-based mental health programs, promoting fair and supportive school policies, and addressing bullying and substance use are critical for improving student mental well-being.

Author Biographies

Godfrey Mugisa, Medical Services Department, Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda.

is a clinician, public health professional, and implementation science researcher affiliated with the Department of Research Training, Nexus Centre for Research and Innovations, Wakiso; the Medical Services Department, Uganda Christian University, Mukono; and the Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University, Kampala, Uganda. His professional and research interests include adolescent health, non-communicable diseases, mental health, maternal and child health, implementation science, health systems strengthening, and community-based health interventions in low-resource settings.

Alex Ruhangario, Paediatrics Department, Villa Maria Hospital, Kalungu, Uganda.

is a Nursing Officer and researcher in the Paediatrics Department at Villa Maria Hospital, Kalungu, Uganda. He has experience in clinical nursing practice, child health, and health research. His research interests focus on pediatric health, adolescent well-being, healthcare quality improvement, and evidence-based nursing practice.

Rev. Sr. Rosemary Moraa Okemwa, Department of Nursing, St. Lawrence Villa Maria School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kalungu, Uganda.

is a Nursing Officer and mental health advocate in the Department of Nursing at St. Lawrence Villa Maria School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kalungu, Uganda. She is actively involved in nursing practice, mentorship, and mental health promotion. Her areas of interest include mental health, adolescent health, nursing practices, psychosocial support, and healthcare workforce development.

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