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Barriers and facilitators of mental health help-seeking behaviours among school- going adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa : a qualitative evidence synthesis
(Cambridge University Press, Global Mental Health, 2026-06) Kakinda, Adrian Ivan; Croudace, Tim J.; Plouffe, Rachel A; Amone-P’Olak, Kennedy
Background: The prevalence of mental health problems (MHPs) among school-going adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains high. However, help-seeking behaviours are disproportionately low in this population. This qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) aimed to identify and integrate existing qualitative findings on the barriers and facilitators of formal and informal MH help-seeking behaviours in this population. The objective was to generate insights from relevant studies and settings to inform the development of effective interventions for culturally grounded public mental health initiatives in schools in SSA.
Methods: We conducted a systematic search across five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Google Scholar) for qualitative studies published until September 2025. Eligible studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program
(CASP) checklist. Thematic synthesis was employed to analyse and interpret the findings.
Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Six key barriers were identified: (1) perceived stigma, (2) gender norms as a barrier to help-seeking, (3) poor mental health knowledge, misconceptions, and awareness gaps, (4) privacy, trust, and confidentiality concerns with MH professionals, (5) lack of accessibility and availability of MH services, and (6) family and parental attitudes, peer influence, and alternative support. Facilitators included (1) mental health education and literacy enhancement, (2) supportive school environment or climate, (3) improved professional services, (4) family, community involvement, and peer support, and (5) improved service accessibility and affordability.
Conclusions: This synthesis highlights the significant structural and sociocultural determinants of help-seeking behaviour in school-going adolescents in SSA. The scarcity of qualitative studies in this area underscores a critical gap in the existing literature. Further context-sensitive qualitative research is urgently needed to gain insights into adolescents’ lived experiences with MHPs and to guide responsive school-based mental health interventions
Intergenerational transmission of adungu (bow-harp) musical knowledge in Bweyale-Karuma, Uganda: a phenomenological study of indigenous pedagogy, embodied learning, and decolonial praxis
(European Journal of Contemporary Education and ELearning, 2026-05-31) Busobozi, Nicholas; Ekadu,Peter Ereu
The Adungu, a multi-stringed arched bow-harp indigenous to the Alur and Lugbara communities of north-western Uganda, represents one of East Africa’s most architecturally sophisticated traditional instruments. Despite its ceremonial significance and growing presence in formal music education contexts, the pedagogical mechanisms through which Adungu musical knowledge is transmitted across generations remain substantially undocumented in scholarly literature. This qualitative phenomenological study investigates how master Adungu players in Bweyale-Karuma a multi-ethnic community in Kiryandongo District renowned across Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom for producing the finest Adungu instruments and most accomplished players transmit complex musical, cultural, and embodied knowledge to apprentices. Drawing on six months of intensive fieldwork (February–July 2025), the study employed Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to generate rich, experience-near accounts from eighteen participants: six master players, nine apprentices at varying stages of learning, and three cultural leaders. Data were generated through semistructured interviews, participant observation across rehearsal and ceremonial performance contexts, and audio-visual documentation of teaching interactions. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase framework revealed seven interconnected transmission mechanisms: graduated tonal scaffolding, ensemble interdependence, embodied string memory, improvisation within communal constraints, master-apprentice mentorship, contextual performance immersion, and cultural narrative integration. These mechanisms constitute a sophisticated distributed pedagogical system that challenges deficit assumptions about oral, non-notational music education and offers critical insights for decolonial music education theory and Uganda’s Competency-Based Curriculum reform.
Insect pathology
(Fundamentals of Entomology: A Faculty Manual, 2026-05-01) Bayissa, Wakuma; Tumuhaise, Venansio; Motholo, Lisemelo; Ramakuwela, Tshima; Agbessenou, Ayaovi
Insect pathology has a history that extends back to the 1880s, where scientists have studied the complex relationship between insects and pathogens. Several investigations have been made to understand the causal agents of diseases and the underlying mechanisms. This includes understanding infection routes and behavioral changes in infected hosts. Causal pathogens include fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses. Understanding how entomopathogenic microorganisms invade their hosts, causing diseases, and exhibit virulence can enhance their use in biocontrol of pests. However, several factors—both biotic and abiotic—influence the effectiveness of entomopathogens. To enhance their efficacy, continuous effort should be made from strain selection to product development. Biopesticides can also be considered as an integral element of holistic pest management, promoting eco-friendly pest management. The biopesticide industry in Africa faces numerous challenges related to R&D, socioeconomic factors, the political landscape, and regulatory frameworks. Policy harmonization needs to enhance the biopesticide sector’s potential on the continent.
Innovative pedagogies for inclusive education: a systematic literature review of assistive technology within the universal design for learning framework
(Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2026-05-27) Mukhwana, Michael; Bikab, Shankar Lal; Kaurb, Manpreet; Parmarb, Paramjeet
The world continues to draw attention towards inclusive education as a contemporary remedy to the realisation of the right of every individual student to access equitable and quality education and holistic development in appropriate learning environments. Unfortunately, this goal remains challenging to attain globally, necessitating innovative pedagogical strategies that accommodate the diverse learning needs of students. This paper examines how the integration of Assistive Technology within Universal Design for Learning framework can empower educators to facilitate technologically inclusive, differentiated and equitable learning experiences and outcomes for all students.
Materials and methods
This study draws from a systematic literature review of 23 empirical studies, thematically analysed and presented, to highlight practical strategies for integrating innovative education-based technologies to advance 21st-century inclusive pedagogy.
Findings
The findings reveal that integrating Assistive Technology into the Universal Design for Learning-based approach enhances individualised learning opportunities, participation, autonomy and academic attainment, offering an accessible pathway to ensuring inclusive education. Nonetheless, barriers exist that require concerted efforts to mitigate and leverage Assistive Technology as pedagogical tools.
Conclusion
Assistive Technology integration within the Universal Design for Learning presents a powerful trajectory towards innovative, equitable and student-centred pedagogy in education. The study, therefore, offers practical insights for teachers, policymakers, and scholars seeking to leverage technology to promote 21st-century inclusive education pedagogy.
Redesign and manufacturability assessment of a telescopic shock absorber system to enhance performance on uneven potholed roads
(Kyambogo University(Unpublished work), 2025-11) Mulamuzi, Isaac
The shock absorber system is part of a vehicle’s suspension system. It controls consistent tyre contact with the road surface and damping of road induced. Shock absorber systems in most light vehicles are produced with set damping forces, tailored to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) weight assumptions and even road conditions. However, in many parts of the world especially countries with poor roads such as Uganda, actual driving conditions differ. Roads are often un-even and potholed and this leads to increased wheel travel and excessive stress on shock Absorber components resulting in low service life. With the goal of improving ride comfort, stability, and durability over uneven potholed roads, this study re-designed a telescopic shock absorber system for a light passenger car (Toyota Wish) addressing these challenges. A study was made to ascertain the technical capabilities required for the local manufacture of the redesigned coil spring and damper. Design parameters were obtained from computations using derived scientific formulas and equations. While SolidWorks aided in Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA), Shim Restackor studied damping properties to validate the new shock absorber system design. The simulation results have shown that the duo, 6-active turn Chromium-vanadium Coil Spring of wire diameter 14.4mm and free length 342mm with spring rate of 33.7 ×10³N/m and a damper of 150mm stroke, peak force of 3.12KN (Rebound) and 1.58KN(Compression) with a tuned valve configuration system and damping coefficient of 0.35 are capable of handling and tolerating more weight, absorbing sudden impacts while maintaining sufficient ride height and stability. A high damping efficiency was achieved vindicated by compression chamber pressure rise from an initial 0.8 MPa gas pre-charge to approximately 2.5 MPa at full compression stroke, and over 3.75 MPa. Furthermore, the manufacturing Cost modelling showed that at ≥ 8000 units/ month, the hybrid system undercuts fully imported units by ≈ >20%, which percentage can be increased given government intervention through policy amendments and funding. The redesigned shock absorber is expected to give smoother rides, lower vibrations, and a service life of over 5 years, thereby improving vehicle safety, stability, durability, and overall affordability.