The relationship between social support coping mechanisms and mental health among people with disabilities: A case study of Namungalwe sub county, Iganga district, Eastern Uganda.

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between social support coping mechanisms and mental health among people with disabilities using a case study of Namungalwe sub county, Iganga district, Eastern Uganda. The study was guided by one research objective namely; to find out the impact of social support coping mechanisms on mental health among people with disabilities in Namungalwe sub county in Iganga district. The study employed the use of a cross-sectional descriptive research design which involved the use of both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The sample totaled 100 individuals including guardians of individuals with disabilities, community development officers, and town management committees. These were purposely and randomly selected. Data was gathered via questionnaires and interview guides. According to study findings, there was a number of challenges faced by people with disabilities in Namungalwe sub county in Iganga district include PWDs facing discrimination and social exclusion, inaccessibility to healthcare services, employment opportunities and financial assistance plus collateral to secure financial loan services; also PWDs faced a challenge of inadequate social support assistance. Further, the study revealed that there was a significant positive impact of social support coping mechanisms on mental health among people with disabilities including social support assisting PWDs in providing positive living sessions hence reviving hope and that social support mechanisms improved one’s self esteem and felt a positive attitude toward self. The study findings revealed that there was a number of recommendations on mental health among people with disabilities in Namungalwe sub county in Iganga district including implementing community-based programs to foster social inclusion and support networks positively to enhance mental health outcomes; to incorporate mental health education into disability support services helps PWDs better understand the importance of mental health and available resources. In the end, it was recommended that there is need to include people with disabilities in leadership committees which will help raise their voices because they are in the category of the most marginalized individuals in the society.