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

Maria Assumpta Komugabe^1, , Mugabe Bernardine² and Itamar Shabtai¹

¹Center for Information Systems and Technology Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California USA

²Uganda Martyrs University Faculty of Health Sciences Kampala, Uganda

Cite this paper:
Maria Assumpta Komugabe, Mugabe Bernardine and Itamar Shabtai. To What Extent Do Stress-Related Factors and Demographic Characteristics Predict the Likelihood of Experiencing Mental Health Challenges among Postgraduate Students?. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2025; 13(4):177-183. doi: 10.12691/ajphr-13-4-5

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 of mental health challenges 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 emphasize the multifaceted interplay of academic, financial, relational, and psychosocial stressors contributing to psychological distress among postgraduate students. The results support the need for targeted institutional interventions in academic advising, financial assistance, mental health services, and peer/social support.

Keywords:
Academic stress Binary logistic regression Depression Makerere University Mental health Postgraduate students Psychosocial factors

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