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Research/Social and Behavioral Studies/Mental Health Disorders
Ongoing

Mental Health Disorders

January 2023 – Ongoing
PI: Dr. Nalugoda Fred
Wakiso and Hoima study sites
Medical Research Council
Overview

About This Project

This study aims to address critical knowledge gaps regarding two of the most common mental health conditions depression and anxiety which, together with excessive alcohol use, contribute substantially to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Uganda. The research seeks to improve understanding of the prevalence, risk factors, and health impacts of these mental health disorders within the Ugandan population.

The study is nested within the AMBSO Population Health Surveillance (APHS) cohort, leveraging its longitudinal population-based platform to collect data and monitor mental health outcomes over time. By examining the relationship between depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and other social and behavioral determinants, the study aims to generate evidence that can inform mental health policies, prevention strategies, and healthcare interventions.

The findings are expected to contribute to improved mental health awareness, early identification of mental health disorders, enhanced access to care, and the development of effective public health approaches to reduce the burden of mental ill health in Uganda.

Goals

Research Objectives

1

To determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and excessive alcohol use within the study population.

2

To identify demographic, behavioral, social, and environmental factors associated with depression and anxiety.

3

To examine the relationship between excessive alcohol use and mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety.

4

To examine the relationship between excessive alcohol use and mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety.

5

To assess the impact of mental health disorders on individuals' health, well-being, and quality of life.

6

To evaluate patterns of mental health service utilization and barriers to accessing mental healthcare.

7

To generate evidence that can inform mental health policies, prevention programs, and treatment interventions in Uganda.

8

To contribute to the integration of mental health services into broader public health and non-communicable disease prevention strategies.

9

To strengthen the evidence base on mental health disorders through longitudinal population-based research within the APHS cohort.

Outputs

Publications

Examining associations between mental health and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (C-NCDs) among older adults in Wakiso, Uganda

Robert M Bulamba , Fred Nalugoda , James Nkale, Godfrey Kigozi, A Malachi Ochieng, Emmanuel Kyasanku, Stephen Watya1, Vitalis Ofumbi Olwa 1, Alex Daama 1, Violet Nkwanzi 3, Deusdedit Kiwanuka 1, Stephen Mugamba 1, Grace Kigozi 1, Jennifer Wagman 4, Anna Mia Ekström 2, Gertrude Nakigozi 1, Amanda P Miller 5

PLoS One , 2024 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293993

Not Enough Money and Too Many Thoughts: Exploring Perceptions of Mental Health in Two Ugandan Districts Through the Mental Health Literacy Framework.

Amanda P. Miller, Leo Ziegel, William Ddaaki

Sage Journals, 2020 · DOI: 10.1177/1049732320986164

Study Details

Protocol Title

N/A

Study Site

Wakiso and Hoima study sites

Principal Investigator

Dr. Nalugoda Fred

Dr. Nalugoda Fred

Board Member

fnalugoda@ambso.org

Co-Investigators

Dr. Getrude Nakigozi

Dr. Nakigozi Getrude

Board Member

Dr. Godfrey Kigozi

Dr. Kigozi Godfrey

Board Member

Emmanuel Kyasanku

Kyasanku Emmanuel

Research Associate

Prof. Anna Mia Ekström

Prof. Anna Mia Ekström

Lead Collaborator

Prof. Amanda Miller

Prof. Amanda Miller

Lead Collaborator

 Anna-Clara Hollander

Anna-Clara Hollander

Principal Investigator

Funding

Medical Research Council

Partners

San Diego State University
San Diego State University

Interested in Participating?

Contact our research team to learn about eligibility and how to get involved.

Contact Research Team