Student mental health service provision for suicide behaviour prevention on university campuses in Uganda

Abstract

The prevalence of mental health problems among Uganda university students, unlike globally, has been poorly documented. The present paper posits that the provision of early mental health interventions could prevent or reduce both current and future mental health problems, including suicidal behaviours among Ugandan university students. Various studies in the field of university student health have found the mental health of university student populations do not have adequate psychotherapeutic services. Today, there is a growing recognition for the need to increase investment in the promotion, prevention, and treatment approaches to mental health and well-being as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3.4 developed by the United Nations in 2015. However, little research has been carried out concerning the provision of university mental healthcare services that address students at risk for mental ill-health including suicidal behaviours on Ugandan university campuses. An assessment of the university mental health service provision as a strategy to address student suicidal behaviours on campuses in Uganda would provide insights that underlie the focused services needed through which vulnerable university students can be addressed and helped. This calls for a strategic intervention model, locally contextualized, developed and informed by the Sustainable Development Goals to address the mental health and well-being of the students.