IMPACT Study

Study Summary: The study aims to examine the Impact of Prolonged Droughts and Erratic Rainfall Events on the Health and Well-being of Youths (15-24 years) in Uganda.

This is a mixed methods study with three aims;

Aim1: To qualitatively explore the influence of successive drought and erratic rainfall on immediate mental health responses and existential long-term fear and anxieties. The sources of youth resiliency regarding climate change to inform contextually relevant interventions. In-depth interviews with 30 participants, including 24 youths and 6 local leaders.
Aim 2: To examine the association between droughts, seasonality/erratic rainfall, and youth mental health challenges, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress symptom severity. We are conducting surveys with 522 youths to explore the symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, and suicide, as well as the indirect effects of rising costs, water, and food shortages on mental health.
Aim 3: To determine the factors that moderate the effects of drought and seasonality on mental health outcomes

Study period: One year

Data collection: APHS round 5 data collection July 2023/November 2024

Principal Investigator: William Byansi PhD, Gertrude Nakigozi PhD, Emmanuel Kyasanku MPH

Study Sponsor: SI-RITEA: Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society, Boston College.

Collaborating Institution: Boston College University

Study site: AMBSO-Kampala Research Site, Wakiso Uganda and AMBSO-Hoima Research Site, Hoima Uganda

Progress: Completed qualitative data collection and quantitative data collection is ongoing