Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research

Volume 4, Issue 3 (March)

23 articles
21
The Influence of Social Media on University Students’ Mental Health: A Case Study of Kyambogo University
Freeman Crispus, Nakimbugwe Sophie
This study examined the relationship between social media usage patterns and mental health outcomes among students at Kyambogo University in Uganda. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study collected data from 384 undergraduate students through structured questionnaires incorporating validated psychological assessment tools, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. The research found that 77.1% of students engaged with social media platforms for three or more hours daily, with WhatsApp (97.1%), Facebook (82.3%), and TikTok (70.6%) being the most widely used platforms. Concerning mental health indicators were observed, including moderate to severe anxiety symptoms in 39.9% of respondents, depressive symptoms in 33.6%, and poor sleep quality in 62.2% of the student population. Significant correlations were established between daily social media usage time and all measured mental health variables, with particularly strong relationships observed with sleep disturbances (r=0.531, p<0.001) and social media addiction tendencies (r=0.682, p<0.001). The nature of engagement significantly influenced psychological outcomes, with passive consumption consistently associated with poorer mental health compared to active content creation and meaningful interaction. Multiple regression analyses identified social comparison tendencies (β=0.329) and fear of missing out (β=0.243) as critical mediating variables explaining how platform engagement translated into psychological distress. The study also revealed that strong offline social support served as a significant buffer against negative mental health outcomes (β=-0.284, p<0.001), and digital literacy skills demonstrated significant moderating effects on the relationship between social media usage and anxiety (p<0.01). Background of the study. The proliferation of social media platforms over the past decade has fundamentally transformed how university students communicate, socialize, and access information. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,
22
Water Conservation Strategies and Their Impact on Sustainable Development: A Case Study of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC)
Kabanda Richard, Babirye Shamirah
This study examined the effectiveness of water conservation strategies implemented by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in Uganda and their impact on sustainable development. The research aimed to assess the relationship between public awareness of water conservation practices and water consumption, evaluate the effects of these strategies on water supply sustainability, and explore their contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Data were collected through surveys administered to a sample of urban residents in Uganda, and various statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and t-tests, were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents used water on a daily basis, and awareness of water conservation strategies significantly influenced water consumption behavior, with higher awareness leading to reduced consumption. Additionally, NWSC’s efforts in reducing water loss from 25% to 15% and increasing water supply reliability from 75% to 85% indicated the positive impact of infrastructure improvements. The study also demonstrated that these strategies contributed to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), but had a less pronounced effect on SDG 13 (Climate Action). The study concluded that continued public education, further investment in water infrastructure, and the integration of water conservation with climate change strategies are essential to enhancing water sustainability. Recommendations were made to improve public awareness campaigns, strengthen water efficiency infrastructure, and align conservation efforts with broader climate action goals. The findings emphasized the importance of multi-faceted approaches in ensuring sustainable water management and contributing to Uganda’s development objectives. Key Words: Water Conservation Strategies and Sustainable Development Background of the Study
23
Workplace Mental Health and Well-being in Uganda’s Cement Manufacturing Industry: A Case Study of Hima Cement Limited.
Ojok Alex, Kirwisa Matovu
This study explored the mental health and well-being of employees at Hima Cement Limited, focusing on the prevalence of mental health issues, key workplace stressors, and the effectiveness of existing mental health support programs. Data were collected from a sample of 150 employees using structured surveys that assessed anxiety, depression, and stress levels, as well as factors such as job demands, hazardous exposure, and the work environment. The findings revealed that a significant proportion of employees experienced mental health challenges, with 43.33% reporting anxiety, 48% showing symptoms of depression, and 53.33% experiencing stress. The analysis further indicated that exposure to hazardous materials, high job demands, and a challenging work environment were significantly related to increased mental health issues. Regression analysis showed that these stressors had a significant positive effect on mental health outcomes, supporting the Job Demand-Control model and Conservation of Resources theory. Furthermore, the study found that mental health support programs, including counseling services and wellness initiatives, had a positive impact on employee well-being, with participants showing a marked improvement in their mental health scores post-program. This highlighted the effectiveness of such programs in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress levels among employees in a high-risk industrial setting. The study also suggested that improving workplace conditions, such as reducing hazardous exposures and managing job demands, could mitigate the adverse mental health outcomes observed. Based on these findings, the study recommended that Hima Cement Limited enhance its mental health programs, reduce exposure to workplace hazards, and provide regular mental health training for employees. Additionally, the study recommended the establishment of continuous mental health support systems, including regular check-ins and follow-up care. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on workplace mental health in high-risk industries and offers valuable insights for improving employee well-being and