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A Qualitative Assessment of Place and Mental Health: Perspectives of Young Women Ages 18–24 Living in the Urban Slums of Kampala, Uganda

Author

Listed:
  • Monica H. Swahn

    (Health Promotion and Physical Education, Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

  • Jacqueline Nassaka

    (Uganda Youth Development Link, Kampala P.O. Box 12659, Uganda)

  • Anna Nabulya

    (Uganda Youth Development Link, Kampala P.O. Box 12659, Uganda)

  • Jane Palmier

    (Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

  • Seneca Vaught

    (Interdisciplinary Studies, Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA)

Abstract

This paper examines the link between place and mental health using a qualitative assessment and focus group discussion with young women, ages 18 to 24 years of age, residing in three slums in Kampala, Uganda. The assessment, conducted in August of 2022, engaged 15 women who participated in Uganda Youth Development Drop-in center activities. The objective was to assess mental health and the link between place and mental health. Facilitated group discussions and photograph review yielded the following results. In terms of understanding their views of mental health and wellbeing, participants clearly focused on feelings. However, they also assessed resilience, the environment and a person’s choice as relating to their mental health. Participants also found the physical spaces related to sports, education, worship, workplaces and green space to be linked to happiness. In terms of the attributes that were linked to sadness, participants listed the physical locations where drugs are sold, clubs for dancing and partying and also sanitation issues in the community. Participants frequently reported on the social environment and reflected on harassment, discrimination, alcohol use and criminal behavior that did not reflect a specific physical space, but rather the embedded social interactions they may face or observe by living in close proximity to hotspots for criminal activity. Given the dire shortages of mental health services and care that are available in this setting, a better understanding of young women’s perceptions of place and mental health will be key for low-cost interventions and strategies to mitigate the contextual factors that may exacerbate mental illness.

Suggested Citation

  • Monica H. Swahn & Jacqueline Nassaka & Anna Nabulya & Jane Palmier & Seneca Vaught, 2022. "A Qualitative Assessment of Place and Mental Health: Perspectives of Young Women Ages 18–24 Living in the Urban Slums of Kampala, Uganda," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12935-:d:937610
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rachel Culbreth & Monica H. Swahn & David Ndetei & Lynnette Ametewee & Rogers Kasirye, 2018. "Suicidal Ideation among Youth Living in the Slums of Kampala, Uganda," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-10, February.
    2. Monica H. Swahn & LeConté J. Dill & Jane B. Palmier & Rogers Kasirye, 2015. "Girls and Young Women Living in the Slums of Kampala," SAGE Open, , vol. 5(2), pages 21582440155, April.
    3. Monica H. Swahn & Rachel E. Culbreth & Catherine A. Staton & Shannon R. Self-Brown & Rogers Kasirye, 2017. "Alcohol-Related Physical Abuse of Children in the Slums of Kampala, Uganda," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-13, September.
    4. April Joy Damian & Delilah Ponce & Angel Ortiz-Siberon & Zeba Kokan & Ryan Curran & Brandon Azevedo & Melanie Gonzalez, 2022. "Understanding the Health and Health-Related Social Needs of Youth Experiencing Homelessness: A Photovoice Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-16, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tytti P. Pasanen & Anna Kajosaari, 2023. "Special Issue: Place, Space, and Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-3, March.
    2. Rachel E. Culbreth & Karen E. Nielsen & Kate Mobley & Jane Palmier & Paul Bukuluki & Monica H. Swahn, 2024. "Life Satisfaction Factors, Stress, and Depressive Symptoms among Young Women Living in Urban Kampala: Findings from the TOPOWA Project Pilot Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(2), pages 1-13, February.

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