NAME : MILLY NANSUBUGA

REGISTRATION NUMBER :2023-M372-22126

COURSE : MASTER IN MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING AND

PSYCHOLOGY

MODULE :ACADEMIC WRITTING

COURSE CODE : ACW 2023

YEAR : 1

SEMESTER : 1

LECTUREE : DR Benidicto Kabiito (ph.D)

QUESTION Use the competence learnt to write (improve) your research /concept paper
according to the level you are at.

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Title: Exploring the factors contributing to the rise of mental health conditions among
children in refugee settlements,Acase study of Nakivale Refugee settlement in South
Western Uganda.

Introduction

This concept paper outlines a proposed research study that aims to investigate and address the
increasing prevalence of mental health conditions among children in refugee settlements in
Uganda, post-pandemic. With the ongoing global refugee crisis and the prolonged
displacement of populations, there is a growing need to understand and respond to the mental
health challenges faced by children in these settings. This research project seeks to explore
the factors contributing to the rise of mental health conditions in this vulnerable
population and develop strategies to mitigate these challenges. With children making up
45% of the refugee population, in the wake of the pandemic and its effects an increasing
number of mental health conditions among children have been registered with little or no
evidence to back it up, many humanitarian and government actors have sidelined the mental
health challenges citing little effect on the refugee children in the settlements as it is not a
basic need.

1.1 Background:

Refugee populations, particularly children, face a multitude of stressors and traumas that can
lead to the development of mental health conditions. xxxxxxUganda has been hosting a
significant number of refugees with a current number of 1.5 million individuals by August
2023 (UNHCR, 2023), and it is essential to investigate the rising mental health concerns
among children in these settlements. This study will provide valuable insights into the causes
and potential solutions to address these challenges. According to the UNHCR, a refugee is ‘a
person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion,
nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the
country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of
the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country
of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is
unwilling to return to it’ (Mandy, 2020). Mental health According to World Health
Organization (WHO), it is a "state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her
abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and
can contribute to his or her community (Wikependia, 2021).

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1.2 Problem statement

Life as a refugee or displaced child is notoriously dangerous and is a psychologically

complex and often hallowing experience. With the growing number of children forced to flee
their homes worldwide the need for psychosocial support is ra

Approximately

1.2 Research Objectives:

To assess the prevalence and types of mental health conditions among children in Nakivale
refugee settlement in western Uganda.

To identify the key factors contributing to the rise of mental health conditions in this
population.

To develop evidence-based strategies and interventions for promoting the mental well-being
of refugee children in Uganda.

1.3 Literature Review:

This section will provide an overview of existing research on mental health conditions in
refugee populations, focusing on children. It will explore the impact of trauma, displacement,
and other stressors on mental health and the need for tailored interventions.

2.1 Research Methodology:

3.1 Study Design:

Cross-sectional surveys to assess the prevalence of mental health conditions.

Qualitative interviews and focus group discussions with children, caregivers, and key
stakeholders.

Review of existing data and reports on refugee populations.

3.2 Data Collection:

Structured questionnaires for mental health assessment.

Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions.

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Ethical considerations, including informed consent and privacy protection.

3.3 Data Analysis:

Quantitative data analysis using statistical software. using qualitative data analysis software
when the textual comments warrant more detailed analysis allows the researcher to take
analysis of mixed structured survey data a step further. (Bazeley, 2006)

Thematic analysis for qualitative data.

4.1 Expected Outcomes:

A comprehensive understanding of the mental health challenges faced by children in

Ugandan refugee settlements.

Identification of key risk factors and protective factors associated with mental health.

Development of evidence-based recommendations and strategies for addressing mental health

conditions in this population.

4.2.1 Implications:

Policy recommendations for government and humanitarian organizations.

Guidelines for providing mental health support to children in refugee settlements.

Raising awareness about the importance of mental health in refugee populations.

4.3 Conclusion:

This concept paper presents a research project that will investigate and address the growing
mental health challenges faced by children in refugee settlements in Uganda. The study aims
to provide valuable insights, data, and evidence-based recommendations for improving the
mental well-being of this vulnerable population. Recognizing and addressing the mental
health needs of refugee children is crucial for their overall development and long-term
integration into host communities.

References:

Mandy, 2020. Psychreg. [Online]

Available at: www.psychreg.org
[Accessed 3 November 2023].

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UNHCR, 2023. UNHCR Country data. [Online]
Available at: data.unhcr.org
[Accessed 3 November 2023].
Bazeley, P., 2006. Research in schools. The contribution of computer software to integrating
qualitative and quantitative data analysis, volume 13(1), p. 11.