A study titled “Analyzing Mental Health Needs and Strengths at the University of Rwanda: From Assessment to Practical Solutions” suggests that poor mental health among students and staff is increasingly being recognised as an obstacle to academic success and overall well-being. ALSO READ: Government to conduct detailed study on state of mental health The analysis was carried out by the University of Rwanda and Solid Minds, an independent outpatient mental health clinic in partnership with Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). Utilising hands-on action research methods, participants analysed the situation across five UR campuses and developed new tools that provided valuable insights into the complex nature of mental health challenges across the university’s communities. ALSO READ: Senators root for ‘Rwandan solutions’ in dealing with mental health issues The assessment carried out from October 2023 to May 2024, highlighted the urgent need for evidence-based mental health and psychosocial interventions to support the well-being of the university community. “In our screening, we realised that out of 59 students, for instance, 14 students had mental health issues and they needed treatment,” said Chaste Uwihoreye, a clinical psychologist practitioner and lecturer at the University of Rwanda. There are currently over 30,000 students at the University of Rwanda. The study revealed eight influencing factors behind mental health issues among university students: 1. Family problems According to the analysis, impaired family dynamics, divorce, or a lack of emotional support contribute to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among students. 2. Social exclusion It highlighted that experiences of social exclusion, discrimination, or marginalisation foster loneliness and hopelessness, prompting engagement in risky behaviours as coping mechanisms. 3. Lack of support The qualitative survey notes that inadequate support from family, friends, or the community exacerbates feelings of isolation and hopelessness, particularly for those already dealing with mental health issues. ALSO READ: Mental health: Calls grow for improved services in hospitals 4. Unplanned pregnancies The analysis highlighted that unplanned pregnancies lead to stress among students due to shifts in relationship dynamics and the struggle to juggle parenthood with academic aspirations, resulting in fear, anxiety, and societal expectations. 5. Economic challenges Financial difficulties, including low salaries, stipend, and poverty, induce stress and hopelessness, potentially leading to coping behaviours like excessive consumption or substance abuse, the analysis shows. 6. Academic stress Educational pressures, such as failing exams or unrealistic expectations, result in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. 7. Self-image and self-worth Issues concerning self-esteem and self-image, which result in behaviours such as low confidence, improper attire, or unhealthy coping strategies, are also contributing factors to mental health challenges among college students. 8. Chronic diseases Chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS can strain relationships due to disclosure, and managing the illness often requires adjustments in education and career plans, leading to emotional challenges such as anxiety and depression, according to the study. According to Uwihoreye, drug abuse exacerbates mental health issues among students. “If students come from families with problems, they have mental health issues which can trigger drug abuse yet drug abuse affects performance at school and worsens mental health disorders,” he said. Recommendations Some of the identified gaps include a lack of mental health information, a shortage of mental health professionals, limited mental health support skills, and inadequate mental well-being spaces. ALSO READ: A closer look at Kigali’s new mental health centre The study recommends a thorough examination of mental health concerns and well-being across UR campuses as well as comprehensive insights into challenges and prospective resolutions. The recommendations also include initiating regular workshops for staff and students, fostering openness and addressing educational challenges, implementing programmes for staff understanding of mental health, providing resources for identifying challenges and fostering a supportive environment, establishing a structured peer support programme and training student leaders as mental health ambassadors to enhance trust and transparency. ALSO READ: 35% of Genocide survivors have mental health problems – RBC It also suggests addressing communication challenges as well as integrating mental health components into faculty professional development. Providing staff with advanced counselling skills and risk assessment techniques, developing programmes focusing on self-perception, identity, coping skills, and a positive mind-set among students, strengthening accessible counselling and mental health resources, promoting services through various channels for a comprehensive support system, collaborating with external mental health experts and organisations, inviting professionals for on-campus training and seminars in addition to establishing student and staff mental health support groups are among the recommended interventions. “As students we need experts in mental health to train us in mental wellbeing. This is because we face a lot of challenges in terms of well-being and others that require mentoring,” said Gad Anaclet Irumva, a UR-Nyarugenge campus student. Blandine Iradukunda, also a UR student, added: “The pressures from condensed courses is a big issue in terms of mental health and most of us do not care about it. As girls, many people have expectations of us or what we want to achieve. Due to welfare issues, some students embrace bad behaviours which result in issues such as unwanted pregnancies, while some students are addicted to drugs.” She mentioned the importance of ongoing campaigns and training for students to raise awareness about mental health problems. “There is a need for dedicated therapists at every campus. It is difficult to approach someone to help you on campus when they do not have such expertise,” Iradukunda added. “We are happy that the university initiated the assessment of mental health issues. Our recent study reports a 20 per cent prevalence of mental disorders among Rwandans. This means students are also affected. The research is a big contribution to the efforts in addressing mental health issues. This research shows causes of mental health and this leads us to know how to address it,” said Dr Jean-Damascène Iyamuremye, the Director of the Psychiatric Care Unit at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre. However, he noted, only five per cent seek treatment. He said there is a need to develop targeted interventions to address the unique mental health needs of students within the university setting. Justine Mukamwezi, a psychologist and Clinical Director of Solid Minds, added that before scaling up mental health services at the university, there was a need to analyse the causes of poor mental health. “More efforts are needed in both prevention and treatment of mental health issues as well as fighting against stigma,” she noted. The Ministry of Health, in 2023, announced plans to conduct an in-depth assessment of the state of mental health following several reports of an increasing number of people battling mental illness.
