COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND QUALITY OF LIFE: A STUDY OF MENTALLY ILL SURVIVORS IN BUSHENYI, UGANDA

Mental illness remains a pressing public health issue in Uganda, especially in Bushenyi District, where survivors face limited access to mental healthcare, stigma, poverty, and cultural misconceptions. These factors significantly affect their quality of life (QoL), highlighting the importance of community-based support strategies. This study aimed to examine the influence of community support activities on the quality of life among mentally ill survivors in Bushenyi District, Uganda. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, interview guides, and observational checklists from a sample of 107 participants, including mentally ill survivors, caregivers, mental health professionals, and community leaders. Validity and reliability of instruments were confirmed with a CVI of 0.876 and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.842, respectively. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0, applying descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. The study revealed that while mentally ill survivors moderately participated in activities like savings groups and market days, their involvement in community gardening, clean-ups, and cooperative income-generating ventures was limited due to stigma and unequal community support. Regression analysis showed a weak and statistically insignificant relationship between community support activities and Quality of Life (QoL) (t = 1.273, p = 0.206), indicating that community support alone is not sufficient to improve QoL unless integrated with other strategies. Finally, Community support activities showed a moderate but non-significant contribution to the Quality of Life of mentally ill survivors. However, they remain essential components of holistic mental health interventions. The study recommends strengthening community support systems through partnerships, awareness campaigns, and inclusive programming. Integrated models combining peer mentoring and life skills training