JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The prevalence and correlates of stress, anxiety and depression among university students in Uganda remain understudied. It is unclear whether an email and WhatsApp-based mental health messaging program would effectively alleviate stress, anxiety and depression.

Objective:

The primary objective of this study is to assess whether receiving daily supportive messages via email or WhatsApp can reduce the prevalence of moderate to high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among university students. Another primary objective of the study is to determine the baseline prevalence and factors associated with moderate to high stress, anxiety, and depression among university students, focusing on Makerere University in Uganda. A secondary objective is to explore the reach, acceptability and user experience and satisfaction with the Wellness4Students program.

Methods:

This study will be a quantitative longitudinal research design. Data will be gathered at baseline (program initiation), at 1 month, at 3 months (midpoint), and at 6 months (program completion) through web-based surveys administered via the ResilienceNHope online platform. We will target 592 undergraduate students aged 18-24 years. These will enrol by accepting an invitation from the Makerere University account on the platform. The Psychological Stress Scale (PSS-10), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the WHO Wellbeing Scale will be used to assess the outcome measures. We will conduct both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis using STATA version.

Results:

The Wellness4Students email and WhatsApp program is anticipated to enhance the well-being of participating students. It is anticipated that the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression among students will reflect rates observed in other settings where similar interventions were implemented. It is expected that the Wellness4Students program will achieve high user satisfaction. Program results are expected to be available one year after the program launch.

Conclusions:

The Wellness4Students email and WhatsApp program will provide essential insight into the prevalence and correlates of stress, anxiety, and depression among Makerere University students in Uganda and the program’s impact on well-being. The outcomes of this study will help inform policy and decision-making regarding psychological interventions for university students.