Authors : Alex Samuel Mungo; Wezi Banda; Obrian Lumamba Mweemba; Chikwe Nambeye; Vincent Nacidze

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/22jkndj6

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/49v8kr2j

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb865

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This study examined mental health challenges, contributing factors, and coping experiences among Mukuba University students. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 370 students selected through stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using an electronic questionnaire which incorporated a liket scale, and qualitative data were collected using an interview guide across six focus groups. Data were analyzed with SPSS, employing descriptive statistics and a chi square test to independence between Health challenges and Coping experiences. Findings revealed that 83% of respondents reported experiencing stress in the past month, 46.2% reported anxiety, and 37.7% reported symptoms of depression. The majority (84.2%) cited academic pressure as the main contributing factor, followed by financial stress (67%) and family expectations (24.9%). Coping experiences include talking to friends or family (60.5%), engaging in religious or spiritual activities (53.2%), and using social media (53.2%), while only (2.3%) reported seeking professional counseling. The chi square test revealed that are not independent of mental health challenges. The study concluded that mental health challenges are widespread among Mukuba University students, yet professional help-seeking remains low. These findings underscore the need for accessible mental health services, awareness campaigns, and student centered support programs to promote academic success and wellbeing.

Keywords : Mental Health Challenges, Coping Strategies, University Students, Exploratory, Chi Square Test.

References :

1. Chiluba, B. C., & Mumba, R. J. (2021). Transitioning to university life and mental health challenges: The case of Zambian first-year students. Zambia Journal of Psychology, 4 (2), 23-31
2. Kapungwe, A., Mwaba, S. O., & Mwila, C. (2015). Prevalence and correlates for stress among students in a school of medicine at University of Zambia. Medical Journal of Zambia, 42(2), 53-61.
3. Milanzi, J., Kabinga Makukula, M., Lyambai, K., Kabungo, C. J., Matipa, R., & Changwe, G. (2023). *Barriers to mental health seeking intentions among students at Mulungushi University, Kabwe District, Zambia.* *European Journal of Public Health Studies, 6*(1). (This study documented barriers to help-seeking among Zambian university students, including stigma and lack of information.) ([oapub.org][2])
4. Mudenda, S., Chomba, M., Mukosha, M., Daka, V., Chileshe, M., Okoro, R. N., Fadare, J., Al-Fayyadh, S., Munsaka, S., Kampamba, M., Chali, J., Mfune, R. L., & Hikaambo, C. N. (2022). *Psychological impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on health professions students at the University of Zambia: A cross-sectional study.* *Pan African Medical Journal, 42*, Article 237. [https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2022.42.237.34041](https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2022.42.237.34041) ([panafrican-med-journal.com][1])
5. Mweemba, P., Sikwese, S., & Banda, M. (2022). Mental health-seeking intentions and barriers among students at Mulungushi University, Zambia. Journal of Mental Health and Social Behavior, 23(1), 1-12.
6. Adewuya, Abiodun O., Olatunde Ayinde, Opeyemi O. Afolabi, Oye Gureje, Sherina Mohd Sidik, and Ricardo Araya. (2021). Educational attainment and mental health disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 282, 1230-1238
7. American College Health Association. (2022). American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment lll: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2022. American College Health Association.
8. Bantjes, Jason, Christine Lochner, Dan J. Stein, Leslie Swartz, and Karis Moxley. (2022). The prevalence of common mental disorders among South African University Students. South African Journal of Psychology, 52(2), 145-157.
9. Lei, S. A., & Wu, S. (2022). Anxiety and depression among international students in Australia: A systematic review. Journal of International Students, 12(2), 274-294.
10. Lipson, S.K., Kern, A., Eisenberg, D., & Breland-Noble, A. (2018). Mental health disparities among international students: The role of country of origin. Journal of American College Health, 66(6), 459-467.
11. Phiri, D., & Zulu, T. (2020). Attitudes and perceptions towards mental health in Zambian Universities. Lusaka Journal of Health Sciences, 6(1), 34-45.
12. Huckins, J. F., et al., (2020). Mental health and behavior of college students during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.
13. UNESCO. (2021). Education in a post-COVID world: Nine ideas for public action.
14. World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Mental health and COVID-19: Early evidence of the pandemic impact.
15. Mumba, M., Chanda, L., and Mumba, T., (2022). An evaluation of mental health services in Zambian public universities. Zambia Medical Journal, 49 (4), pp. 210-216.
16. Kigamwa, P., Ndetei, D. M. and Mutiso, V. (2020). Effectiveness of peer counseling programs in Kenyan Universities: A mental health perspective. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 34 (3), pp. 234-246.
17. Olanrewaju, A., Osibogun, A., and Adepoju, O., 2021. Campus mental health systems in Nigeria: Challenges and policy gaps. Nigerian Journal of Psychology, 39(1), pp. 15-25.
18. World Health Organization (WHO) (2020). Mental Health Atlas 2020. Geneva: WHO Press.