Journal
Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research
MJAAR
Social Media And Mental Health: A Case Of Nsambya Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
Nabwire Viola, Freeman Crispus
| Journal | Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research (MJAAR) |
| Volume / Issue | Vol. 5, No. 7 |
| Published | 31 July 2026 |
| ISSN | 3006-6417 |
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between social media use and mental health, using patients and staff associated with Nsambya Hospital, Kampala, as the case. Social media has become deeply embedded in daily life, and concerns have grown about its psychological effects, especially among young adults. The main objective was to examine the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. Three specific objectives guided the study: to establish patterns of social media use; to assess the effect of social media use on anxiety, depression, and self-esteem; and to determine the relationship between intensity of use and mental health outcomes. A cross-sectional correlational design was used with 150 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using standardised scales adapted for the setting and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Results showed that heavy and problematic social media use was positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.54) and depressive symptoms (r = 0.49) and negatively correlated with self-esteem (r = −0.42), all significant at p < 0.01. Regression indicated that intensity of use and problematic use jointly explained 46% of the variance in poor mental health outcomes. The study concluded that social media use is a significant, though not sole, contributor to mental health strain, and recommended digital-wellbeing education and screening in health settings. This article discusses a sensitive topic; readers affected by these issues are encouraged to seek professional support.
Keywords
Social media
mental health
anxiety
depression
self-esteem
Nsambya Hospital
Uganda
Cite This Article
Nabwire Viola & Freeman Crispus (2026). Social Media And Mental Health: A Case Of Nsambya Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research, 5(7). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=711
More in This Issue
View full issue →
6
Customer Satisfaction And Brand Loyalty Of Shell Automotive Lubricants Customers In Kampala
Customer satisfaction
brand loyalty
automotive lubricants
Shell
7
Decentralization, Local Government Oversight Gaps, and Corruption Risk: A Systematic Literature Review
decentralization; local government; oversight; accountability; corruption; elite capture; public
9
Employee Job Rotation And Productivity In The Public Sector: A Case Study Of Loro Sub-County, Oyam District, Uganda
Job rotation
employee productivity
public sector
local government
10
Financial Management Practices And Performance Of Organizations: A Case Study Of Mukwano Industries Ltd, Lira Branch
Financial management practices; organizational performance; financial planning; working