To What Extent Do Stress-Related Factors and Demographic Characteristics Predict the Likelihood of Experiencing Mental Health Challenges among Postgraduate Students?

Abstract

This study investigated how stress-related and demographic factors predict mental health challenges among postgraduate students at Makerere University, Uganda. A cross-sectional survey of 391 Master's and Ph.D. students was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Significant predictors included female gender, certain marital statuses, non–full-time employment, financial stress affecting academic performance, limited support systems, infrequent exercise, strained student–supervisor relationships, maladaptive coping strategies, perceived social isolation, and dissatisfaction with supervision. The model explained 73.3% of the variance in outcomes (Cox & Snell R² = .733). Findings support the need for targeted institutional interventions in academic advising, financial assistance, mental health services, and peer/social support.