Department of Psychiatry

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Emotional intelligence and compassion fatigue among psychotherapists in selected districts of Northern Uganda
(South African Journal of Psychology, 2020) Kabunga, Amir; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Apio, Betty
Globally, close to 50% of the professionals working with traumatised individuals have issues related to compassion fatigue. In Uganda, although compassion fatigue is prevalent among psychotherapists, there is limited evidence of relationship between emotional intelligence and compassion fatigue. This study set out to fill this gap. Data were collected from a random sample of 207 psychotherapists working in Northern Uganda, who completed Emotional Competency Inventory version-2.0 and Professional Quality of Life version-5 questionnaires. Chi-square and Fischer’s exact tests were used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that all the four elements of emotional intelligence (social awareness, self-awareness, self-management, and social skills) were inversely related to levels of compassion fatigue and were statistically significant at p < .0001. The study recommended that organisations offering psychotherapy services could focus on building emotional intelligence of their psychotherapists. Increasing emotional intelligence of psychotherapists is necessary to enable them deal more effectively, with their feelings and thus directly decrease the level of compassion fatigue thereby protecting their mental and physical health.
Enhancing Mental Health Counseling for Education Professionals in Africa: Addressing Unique Needs and Improving Outcomes
(B P International, 2024) Kabunga, Amir; Nalwoga, Viola; Kigongo, Eustes; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Musinguzi, Marvin; Okalo, Ponsiano; Shikanga, Enos Mwirotsi
In the vibrant and varied educational landscapes of Africa, the voices of resilience, dedication, and passion often overshadow the quieter, yet significant, struggles faced by those who shape our future: the education professionals. As we delve into “Enhancing Mental Health Counseling for Education Professionals in Africa: Addressing Unique Needs and Improving Outcomes,” we approach this endeavor with profound respect and commitment to the well-being of those who nurture the minds of tomorrow. Education professionals hold a critical role in shaping both the intellectual and emotional development of the next generation. Their unwavering commitment to education lays the groundwork for a better future. However, in the pursuit of academic excellence, their own mental health often remains neglected. This book aims to shed light on the critical intersection of mental health and education, specifically addressing the unique challenges encountered by educators across the diverse African continent. Throughout these pages, we delve into the cultural and contextual factors that influence the experiences of education professionals in Africa. We emphasize that the well-being of educators is intrinsically linked to the health and effectiveness of the educational systems they support. By examining mental health counseling as a transformative tool, we highlight its potential to build resilience, promote self-care, and enhance overall professional satisfaction. This book is more than an academic exploration; it is a call to action. We urge educational institutions, policymakers, and communities to prioritize the mental health of their educators. We advocate for a shift in perspective, encouraging the creation of environments where seeking mental health support is seen not as a weakness but as a reflection of the strength and dedication inherent in the teaching profession. As we address the nuanced issues of mental health counseling tailored to the African educational context, we hope this book will serve as a comprehensive guide, a source of inspiration, and a catalyst for positive change. It is our aspiration that this work will elevate the conversation around the mental well-being of education professionals and place it at the center of educational discourse. In our shared quest for educational excellence, let us remember that the well-being of those who facilitate learning is a fundamental pillar. Together, let us embark on a transformative journey to create nurturing and supportive environments for the individuals who are shaping the minds of the future. Keywords: Mental health counseling, education professionals, Africa, cultural sensitivity, resilience in education, and traditional practices in counseling
HIV/AIDS Stigma Reduction as a Risk Factor for New HIV Infections: A Lived Experience Study of HIV Positive Young Women in a Rural Setting
(2022-06-05) Kabunga, Amir; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth
Background: HIV/AIDS-related stigma is a global problem among HIV patients with far-reaching implications. However, there is an increase in HIV infections, especially among young women. Objective: This study aimed at exploring the influence of HIV-related stigma on new infections among HIV-positive young women in a rural setting. Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory research design was used. In-depth interviews were used to collect data and analysis was done using a thematic approach. Results: The results showed that acceptance, counselling, and social support are some of the ways HIV-positive young women used to cope with stigma. The results also showed that While HIV-related reduction has influenced positively some HIV-positive young women, to others as HIV-related stigma reduces, young women living with HIV are likely to get involved in risky sexual activities thus increasing HIV transmission. Conclusions: As HIV-related stigma reduced, young women living with HIV are likely to get involved in risky sexual activities thus increasing HIV transmission. Based on the results, there is a need to understand the negative effects of HIV-related stigma reduction as this may have implications for the control of the HIV pandemic. Also, further research is needed to understand whether lessening HIV-related stigma encourages risky sexual behaviours among young women.
Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: Does Social Support Count? A Cross-Sectional Survey among Lira University Students, Northern Uganda
(PQ Neurology and Psychology, 2021) Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Kabunga, Amir; Anyayo, Lucas Goodgame; Nakaziba, Rebecca
COVID-19 pandemic that began in Wuhan, China towards the end of 2019 is the world’s catastrophe of the 21st-century. As a result, the pandemic has disrupted all sectors of the world’s economies including the education sector depending on their stages of implementation. For the case of tertiary and University institutions, most of them were about to begin examinations but which had to be put on halt as students had to go home. These disruptions could have serious mental health impacts on the individuals. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the mental health status and its association with social support during the COVID-19 lockdown among undergraduate students of Lira University. We used a non-probability convenience sampling technique to identify the students. We developed an online survey questionnaire using google form and sent to the students’ email and social media contacts. Responses were submitted directly to a google central server in an excel form and later exported to SPSS V.25 for analysis. We used descriptive statistical analysis to show frequency distributions, mean, and graphs and Chi-square test to establish possible relationships. More than half of the respondents, 57% were females, 34.63% were in the age group 21-22 years old, the majority were in the third year (33.97%). The majority of students were in good mental health and had positive social support. The findings also revealed a significant statistical association between social support and mental health status. Based on the results, there is a need to provide social support to students when they are at home during the pandemics such as the COVID-19 to ensure their mental health stability.
Personality and Mental Health among Lira University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
(International Journal of Academic Research in Psychology, 2020) Kabunga, Amir; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Anyayo, Lucas Goodgame
Abstract COVID-19 pandemic is one of the 21st -century major health crises affecting the world. Due to the pandemic, education activities were disrupted and examinations were postponed. This could have far-reaching effects on the students both physically, socially, mentally, and emotionally. In this context, we conducted a cross-sectional study among undergraduate students at Lira University to assess whether there could be any relationship between their personality and mental health. A total of. Non-probability Volunteer and convenience sampling technique was used to select156 undergraduate students who participated in this study. Data was collected using a well-designed survey questionnaire and posted onto google form. Mental status was screened using the Mental Health Continuum Short Form while personality was screened using the Extraversion vs. Introversion Scale adapted from the Big Five Inventory. Both categorical and numerical data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Chi-square statistic was used to obtain the correlation between the variables. More than half, 55.77% of the participants were males, 42.95% were females while 1.28% did not disclose their gender. The results showed that 83.97% of the respondents had positive mental health, 14.74% had average mental health and 1.28% had poor mental health. The results showed that 88.46% were extroverts. Finally, the results revealed that there was a significant positive correlation between personality and mental health status. There is a need for mental health professionals to keep the mental health balance of students in the University. Counseling should also be planned along with online teaching. Besides, there is a need to understand the personality traits of students to deal with their mental health accordingly.
Traditional herbal remedies for managing COVID-19 major symptoms: A case study of Kole district, Northern Uganda
(TMR Pharmacology Research, 2021) Nakaziba, Rebecca; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Kabunga, Amir
Background: Today, the world is battling COVID-19 which has claimed millions of lives within a short period. As biotechnological research is in progress, it’s expedient to explore alternative sources of medication. Exploring plants that have been used in the management of COVID-19 related symptoms for ages may unveil a potential treatment option for this pestilence. We, therefore, conducted a study in Kole district, Northern Uganda to document the plants that are used in the management of the four key COVID-19 related symptoms including flue, cough, sore throat, and difficulty in breathing. Materials and Methods: We employed a cross-sectional quantitative survey design. We used stratified sampling to select 50 participants from each of the five sub-counties in the district, and convenience sampling to select a total of 250 participants and administered interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: We identified over 50 herbs that are used in the treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms. However, we were able to report on the fourteen most common ones that belonged to 12 families in this paper. Clematis hirsute Perr. & Guill, (68.0%) and Citrus limon burm. F. (30.8%); Eucalyptus grandis M., (49.2%) and Zingibar officinalis, (28.0%); Conyza floribunda H.B.K. (26.4%) and Allium sativum A. (23.6%); Capparis tomentosa Lam. (19.4%) and Acacia hockii De Wild, (17.4%): for the treatment of flu, cough, sore throat and breathing difficulties respectively. Different plant parts of the diverse plant species were used in treating the symptoms. For Clematis hirsute Perr. & Guill, all plant parts were used differently to treat each of the 4 symptoms. Conclusion: Kole district possesses a multitude of herbs with the potential of treating COVID-19 symptoms. There is a need for further pharmacological investigations to validate their activity and possible development for clinical use in the management of COVID-19.

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