MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GENDER, ELDERY

WOMEN AND SPECIAL GROUP

MBALIZI INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT

RESEARCH PROPOSAL ON THE FACTOR THAT CONTRIBUTE

INCREASE IN MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS TO YOUTH IN MBEYA
REGION.

AUTHOR`S NAME: SAPHIA PETRO MASOTA

NACTVET REGISTRATION NUMBER: NS 0286/0060/2017

SUPERVISOR`S NAME: MS TUNU NCHIMBI

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENTS

OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ORDINARY DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL
WORK AT MBALIZI INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES.

ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024

 DECLARATION AND COPYRIGHT

I, SAPHIA MASOTA I declare that this research proposal is my own original work and that it
has not been submitted for similar diploma in any institute and for the same purpose

Student Name: SAPHIA MASOTA

Signature……………………

Date………………………………
 CERTIFICATION

The undersigned certify that he has read and hereby recommends for acceptance by the college
of Mbalizi, a dissertation entitled “Assessment on the factors that contribute the increase in
mental health problems to youth in mbeya region.

Supervisor

Madam Tunu Nchimbi

Date……………………………….
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To the greatest extent, I thanks to the almighty God for making me worthy of all the blessings
that he has bestowed upon me, from the moment I started my college and from the first day I
started writing this dissertation until the end of it, God has been so good to me.

I would like to thanks my family for their continuous support to my education and my wellbeing,
I will forever be grateful.

I wholeheartedly appreciate the management of the college of Mbalizi and the Department of
SW for their good organize and arrangements in teaching programs and for supporting me
academically since first year until third year, God bless you all.

Also I am extremely grateful to Tunu Nchimbi who is my supervisor, for his kind assistance,
guidance and encouragement that helped to accomplish this work, He is giving direction on
processes and procedures of preparing a proposal and research in general.

Lastly to you all who directly or indirectly participated in the preparation of this research
proposal this includes, my sister in law LEAH DUTTU and classmates,thank you for your help
and I wish you the best.
DEDICATION

The research work is dedicated to my beloved parents, Mr. and Mrs. MASOTA who laid the
foundation of my education and supports the accomplishment of this difficult work. For this I
remain grateful.
 ABSTRACT

This aim of present study was to investigate the assessment on the factor that contribute increase
in mental health problems to youth at Mbeya region.

The researcher guided by three chapters, the first chapter consists an introduction of the study,
background of the study, statement of the study, objectives of the study, research questions,
significance of the study, scope of the study and limitation of the study. Chapter two which was
literature review consists of definition of the key terms, theoretical literature review, empirical
literature review, research gap and conceptual frame work. Chapter three which was research
methodology consists description of the study area, research approach, research design, location
of the study, study population, sample size, sampling techniques, data collection methods, data
analysis, validity, reliability of data and ethical consideration.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARTION...........................................................................................................................i

CERTIFICATION.....................................................................................................................ii

ACKNOWLEGEMENT.......................................................................................................... iii

DEDICATION...........................................................................................................................v

ABSTRACT...........................................................................................................................viii

CHAPTER ONE........................................................................................................................1

BACKGROUND.......................................................................................................................1

1.0 Introduction......................................................................................................................1

1.1 Problem statement.......................................................................................................2

1.2 Significance of study........................................................................................................2

1.3 Research questions...........................................................................................................2

1.4. Study objective................................................................................................................3

1.4.1. Broad objective............................................................................................................ 3

CHAPTER TWO.......................................................................................................................4

LITERATURE REVIEW..........................................................................................................4

Globally..................................................................................................................................4
 In Africa.................................................................................................................................4

In Tanzania.............................................................................................................................5

Conclusion............................................................................................................................. 5

CHAPTER THREE...................................................................................................................6

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY.............................................................................6

3.1 Study location.................................................................................................................. 6

3.2 Study design.....................................................................................................................6

3.3. Study method.................................................................................................................. 6

3.4 Study Population..............................................................................................................6

3.5 Sample size...................................................................................................................... 6

3.6 Sampling technique..........................................................................................................7

3.8 Data entry and analysis.................................................................................................... 7

3.9. Data presentation............................................................................................................ 7

3.10. Research report and dissemination............................................................................... 7

3.11 Inclusion and exclusion criteria..................................................................................... 8

3.12 Ethical consideration......................................................................................................8

3.13 Limitation.......................................................................................................................8

REFERENCES........................................................................................................................10
LIST OF ABBREVIATION

SW Social work

MIHS Mbalizi institute of health sciences

SSA Sub-Saharan Africa

DHS Demographic and Health Surveys

WHO World Health Organization

TDHS Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS),

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

1.0 INTRODUCTION

.Global Context

Mental health conditions include mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities as well as other
mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning or risk of self-harm.

In 2019, 970 million people globally were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and
depression the most common.

Mental health conditions can cause difficulties in all aspects of life, including relationships with
family, friends and community. They can result from or lead to problems at school and at work.

Globally, mental disorders account for 1 in 6 years lived with disability. People with severe
mental health conditions die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population. And having a
mental health condition increases the risk of suicide and experiencing human rights violations.

The economic consequences of mental health conditions are also enormous, with productivity
losses significantly outstripping the direct costs of care.

.Regional Context (Africa, Especially SSA)

In its African Regional Strategy for Mental Health in the year 2000, the WHO emphasizes that
populations in the African region are beset by numerous mental and neurological disorders that
are a major cause of disability. Furthermore, there is a lack of reliable information systems in
most countries. However, some primary observations and estimates can be made: In many
African countries, the most frequent presentation of psychosis is acute or sub-acute: acute
transient psychoses, paranoid psychoses, psychoses resulting from cerebral involvement in
infectious diseases, like malaria, typhoid fever or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
infection. These conditions produce only temporary disability, but cause much suffering and can
have chronic consequences if not properly treated.
The prevalence of epilepsy is high, largely due to inadequate care at childbirth, malnutrition,
malaria and parasitic diseases. Epilepsy is still highly stigmatized, particularly because it is often
considered infectious, which leads to the social isolation of the sufferer.

Half of the population of the region is made up of children below age of 15 years. It is estimated
that, of those aged 0-9 years, about 3% suffer from a mental disorder. Many children suffer from
poor psychosocial development because of neglect by their mothers and other caretakers. Brain
damage is one of the main causes of serious mental retardation.

The population of elderly people is still low, with only 3- 4% of the total population aged above
65 years. While the prevalence of dementia is therefore not very high, other brain syndromes,
which usually follow an infection or trauma of the central nervous system, are common in the
African region.

Many countries in the African region are engulfed in conflicts and civil strife, with the attendant
adverse impact on the mental health and well-being of the affected populations, foremost post-
traumatic stress disorder.

Alcohol, tobacco and drug related problems are becoming an increasing concern in the region.
Many of the countries in Africa are used as transit points for illicit drug trade and these drugs are
finding their way into local populations, adding to the indigenous problems associated with
cannabis consumption. There is an increased demand for home-brewed beer or locally distilled
liquor. In most countries there are no national policies on alcohol or tobacco; consequently, their
advertising, distribution and sale are largely uncontrolled.

Increasing poverty, natural disasters, wars and other forms of violence and social unrest are
major causes of growing psychosocial problems, which include alcohol and drug abuse,
prostitution, street children, child abuse and domestic violence.

HIV infection has added considerably to the psychosocial problems already being experienced in
many countries of the region, creating a need for extra support and counseling for those affected
and care for their surviving family members, especially children. In parts of southern Africa the
prevalence of HIV in the general population exceeds 30% (7) and over 90% of those cases are
attributable to heterosexual activity. According to the Joint United Nations Programmed on
HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and WHO estimates, 7 out of 10 people newly infected with HIV in 1998
live in sub-Saharan Africa; among children under 15, the proportion is 9 out of 10. Of all deaths
from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) since the epidemic started, 83% have been
in this region. At least 95% of all AIDS orphans have been African. Since the start of the
epidemic, an estimated 34 million people living in sub-Saharan Africa have been infected with
HIV. Some 11.5 million of those people have already died, a quarter of them children. In
Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe, current estimates show that over one person in
five between the ages of 15 and 40 is living with HIV infection. 1.6 million Zimbabweans have
contracted HIV infection since the beginning of the epidemic; 400 thousand of them have
developed AIDS, 300 thousand have already died, about 800 people die every week and 2000 get
infected every week. Several years it has been the concern and strategic commitment of the WPA
to help the development of psychiatry and mental health care in the regions where they encounter
the greatest difficulties in the world, namely sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia. On that matter
the WPA decided to work in close collaboration with WHO for a number of projects, including
the WPA program for promoting mental health services in sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia.
The objectives of this program are to strengthen mental health policies and adopting and
implementing regional strategies to prompt mental health and prevent mental, neurological and
psychosocial disorders and drug abuse-related problems; to reduce disability associated with
neurological, mental and psychosocial disorders through community-based rehabilitation, and to
reduce the use of psychoactive substances (alcohol, tobacco and other drugs). On a public level,
it is the objective of the program to change people's negative perceptions of mental and
neurological disorders, to formulate or review existing legislation in support of mental health and
the prevention of substance abuse and to provide equitable access to cost-effective mental,

.National Context (Tanzania)

About 10.7%-21.1% of youth have mental health issues (y. Wei, et al 2017), yet they have no
one to run to since families and community hardly understand them, leading to more suicide
cases amongst youths. In Tanzania, where around half of the population is under 20 years of age,
there are several important barriers to effective prevention and care for AMH disorders.8 First,
research on the prevalence, causes and solutions for several AMH issues is lacking.9 10 The few
available studies, mainly on depression and alcohol use disorders, indicate that AMH issues are
common in Tanzania.8 11 Second, AMH disorders are often not recognized as illnesses and
stigmatization of mental ill-health presents a further barrier to care.12 13 Third, AMH is a low
policy priority.14 In 2017, there were 0.06 psychiatrists and 0.01 psychologists per 100 000
population; this is well below average for the Africa Region.15 Currently, Tanzania has only one
psychiatrist specialized in child and AMH disorders (Dr Gemma Simbee, 2021). Further,
primary and community-based healthcare providers, such as community health workers, general
nurses and community health officers, often have received very limited training, if any, in the
delivery of mental healthcare to adolescents.16 17

Health research is an essential tool for addressing health and development challenges and for
informing health policy. Careful prioritization of research to maximize its likely impact and the
efficient use of resources is especially important where resources are scarce.18 of equal
importance is the capacity to conduct high-quality research to address identified priorities.
Limited research capacity in low and middle income countries is a recognized barrier to
improved health and health systems.19–21 Research capacity in Tanzania faces both significant
challenges and opportunities.22 In particular, the existence of a national, publicly funded
Institute for Medical Research provides the opportunity for systematic, nationwide scale-up of
both research and capacity strengthening. With eight research centers across Tanzania, the
National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) is the largest research institute in Tanzania. It is
mandated by the government to conduct and drive health research nationally, develop national
health research priorities and oversee research implementation.

Against this background, the present study will first conduct rigorous research priority setting
(RPS) to identify current AMH research gaps and priorities in Tanzania. In line with best
practice, perspectives of policy makers, implementers and adolescent advocates will be
thoroughly canvassed to ensure priorities meet the needs of all stakeholders. This will include a
mapping of AMH service implementation within the government and civil society sector,
including professional associations and internationally funded programmers. Second, we will
concurrently map and identify gaps in existing AMH research capacity. This will inform the
development of a strategy to ensure sufficient research capacity to address identified research
gaps and priorities, including optimal use of the opportunities provided by NIMR, other research
institutions and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
Study Focus

This study will examine the factors that contribute the increase in mental health problems to
youth in Mbeya region. It will investigate the strategies employed by social workers, the
effectiveness of these interventions, and the challenges they face. The study will be conducted
over a period of seven months, covering various districts within the Mbeya region to provide a
comprehensive analysis.

1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The problem statement "increase in mental health problems among youth in Mbeya region"
refers to the rising prevalence of mental health issues experienced by young people. This trend
includes conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts
among adolescents and young adults. Several factors contribute to this increase: Social
Pressures: Growing up in a digitally connected world can lead to increased pressure from social
media, cyberbullying, and unrealistic expectations. Academic Stress: High academic
expectations, competition for college admissions, and performance pressure can impact mental
well-being. Family Dynamics: Issues such as familial conflicts, divorce, or lack of familial
support can contribute to mental health challenges. Economic Factors: Financial instability,
poverty, and socioeconomic disparities can exacerbate stress and anxiety in youth. Access to
Support Services: Limited access to mental health resources, including counseling and therapy,
can prevent timely intervention and support. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted
approach involving education, awareness, policy changes, and increased access to mental health
services. It's crucial to prioritize mental health support systems and create environments that
promote emotional well-being among young people.
1.2 RATIONALE/JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

The justification of the study titled "Increase in Mental Health Problems among Youth in Mbeya
Region" involves several key points: Contextual Relevance: Mental health issues among youth
are increasingly recognized as a significant public health concern globally. In the specific context
of Mbeya Region, understanding the prevalence, causes, and impacts of these issues is crucial for
developing targeted interventions. Local Significance: Mbeya Region, like many other regions in
Tanzania and globally, is experiencing social and economic changes that may contribute to
mental health challenges among young people. Factors such as urbanization, unemployment,
substance abuse, and social pressures can all affect mental well-being. Lack of Local Data: There
may be a scarcity of local data specific to Mbeya Region regarding the prevalence and nature of
mental health problems among youth. This study aims to fill this gap by providing empirical
evidence that can inform local policies and interventions. Potential Impacts: Addressing mental
health issues early among youth can lead to improved overall well-being, academic performance,
and future productivity. By studying these issues in Mbeya Region, the study seeks to contribute
to improving the quality of life and future prospects for young people in the area. Policy and
Program Development: Findings from the study can guide the development of targeted mental
health programs and policies that are contextually relevant and effective for the youth population
in Mbeya Region. Overall, the justification revolves around the importance of addressing a
pressing public health issue, filling local knowledge gaps, and contributing to the well-being and
development of youth in Mbeya Region specifically.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH

General Objective:

 To investigate the factors contributing to the increase in mental health problems to youth in
mbeya region

Specific Objectives:

 To examine socio-economic factors influencing mental health to youth mbeya region

 To explore cultural and societal influences on mental health in mbeya region

 To identify healthcare access and infrastructure challenges related to mental health services
in mbeya region

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION

1. What are the socio-economic factors influencing the prevalence of mental health problems
among youth in Mbeya region?

2. How does access to mental health services impact the mental well-being of youth in Mbeya
region?

3. What role do family dynamics and relationships play in the development of mental health
issues among youth in Mbeya region?

4. To what extent does academic pressure contribute to mental health problems among youth in
Mbeya region?

5. How does exposure to social media and technology affect the mental health of youth in Mbeya
region?

6. What are the cultural factors that influence the perception and treatment of mental health
issues among youth in Mbeya region?

7. What are the barriers to seeking and receiving mental health care among youth in Mbeya
region?

8. How do lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and substance use contribute to mental health
problems among youth in Mbeya region?

9. What are the differences in mental health challenges between urban and rural youth in Mbeya
region, and what factors contribute to these differences?

10. How effective are current mental health interventions and programs targeted at youth in
Mbeya region, and what improvements are needed?

1.5 STUDY VARIABLES

Independent Variables
 - Social worker intervention strategies

- Training and resources available to social workers

- Challenges faced by social workers

Dependent Variable

Mental health problems among youth."

1.6 HYPOTHESIS FORMULATION

Alternative Hypothesis: factors that contribute the increase in mental health problems to youth in
Mbeya region.

1.7 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The conceptual framework for this study illustrates the relationship between the independent
variables (social worker intervention strategies, training and resources available to social
workers, challenges faced by social workers) and the dependent variable (mental problems
among youth)
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction This chapter reviews the existing body of knowledge on the factor that
contribute increase in mental health problems to youth, with a particular focus on the Mbeya
region. It discusses definitions, prevalence, and impacts of mental health, the role of social
workers in intervention and prevention, and existing frameworks and policies. The review draws
on current articles and journals to ensure the information is precise, valid, and up-to-date.

2.2 Definitions of Key Terms

2.2.1 Mental health

Mental health encompasses a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects
how individuals think, feel, and act, influencing how they handle stress, relate to others, and
make choices. Good mental health contributes to overall well-being, while issues like anxiety,
depression, or stress can impact daily life and relationships. Seeking support from professionals,
maintaining healthy habits, and fostering supportive relationships are crucial for mental well-
being. Mental health conditions include mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities as well as
other mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of self-
harm. People with mental health conditions are more likely to experience lower levels of mental
well-being, but this is not always or necessarily the case.

2.2.2 Social Work

Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social
change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people.
Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversities are
central to social work (International Federation of Social Workers, 2022).

2.3 Prevalence and Impact of mental health

Chronic diseases. Depression has been linked to many chronic illnesses. These illnesses include
diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis. ‌Sleep problems. People with
mental health conditions are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders, like insomnia or sleep
apnea. Insomnia can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Sleep apnea leads to breathing
problems, which can cause you to wake up frequently. Around 50% to 80% of people with
mental health conditions will also have sleeping problems. Only 10% to 18% of the general
population experience sleeping problems.

2.4 The Role of Social Workers in mental health problems to youth

2.4.1 Intervention and Support

Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand the youth's mental health issues,
including their emotional state, behaviors, and environmental factors. Crisis Management:
Provide immediate support during mental health crises, such as suicidal ideation or acute
emotional distress. Treatment Planning: Collaborate with the youth, their families, and other
professionals to develop personalized treatment plans addressing their specific needs. Advocacy:
Advocate for the youth's rights and access to appropriate mental health services, ensuring they
receive the necessary support and resources. Support: Emotional Support: Offer empathetic
listening and emotional support to youth dealing with mental health challenges, helping them
express their feelings and concerns in a safe environment. Practical Assistance: Assist with
practical needs such as connecting them with community resources, financial assistance, or
housing if these factors contribute to their mental health issues. Skill Building: Teach coping
skills, problem-solving techniques, and resilience-building strategies to empower youth in
managing their mental health effectively. Education: Provide psych education to youth and their
families about mental health disorders, treatment options, and strategies for maintaining well-
being.

2.4.2 Prevention and Education

Prevention: Social workers engage in preventive measures to reduce the incidence and impact of
mental health issues among youth. This involves: Early Intervention: Identifying at-risk youth
and providing support before issues escalate. This might include counseling, support groups, or
outreach programs. Community Programs: Developing and implementing programs within
schools, communities, and families to promote mental wellness. These could focus on stress
management, coping skills, and resilience building. Advocacy: Working to improve policies and
practices that affect youth mental health, such as advocating for better access to mental health
services and reducing stigma. Education: Social workers educate youth, families, and
communities about mental health to increase awareness and promote well-being: Psych
education: Providing information about mental health conditions, symptoms, and treatment
options to youth and their families. This helps in early recognition and seeking appropriate help.
Skill Development: Teaching coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation
techniques to empower youth in managing their mental health. Training for Professionals:
Educating teachers, healthcare providers, and community members on how to recognize signs of
mental health issues in youth and provide initial support.

2.4.3 Advocacy and Policy Development

Individual Advocacy: Social workers advocate for the rights and needs of individual youth with
mental health issues. This can involve ensuring they have access to appropriate services,
education, and support systems. Systemic Advocacy: Social workers advocate for changes at a
systemic level, addressing broader issues such as stigma reduction, increased funding for mental
health services, and improved policies that affect youth. Example: A social worker may advocate
for a young person with anxiety disorder to receive accommodations at school, such as extended
test-taking time or counseling services. Policy Development: Social workers contribute to the
development of policies that impact mental health services and support for youth. This involves
understanding current policies, identifying gaps, and proposing improvements. They collaborate
with policymakers, researchers, and community stakeholders to develop evidence-based policies
that promote positive mental health outcomes for youth. Example: A social worker may work
with government agencies to develop a policy ensuring that all schools have trained mental
health professionals on staff to support students.

2.5 Frameworks and Policies Addressing mental health issues.

2.5.1 Legal Frameworks

In Tanzania Mental Health Act of 2009 in Tanzania is crucial in safeguarding the rights and
ensuring the appropriate care and treatment of individuals with mental disorders, aiming to
integrate mental health into the broader healthcare system and community settings.

Mental Health Act (2009): This Act provides for the care, treatment, and protection of persons
with mental disorders. It outlines the rights of individuals with mental health conditions,
procedures for admission to mental health facilities, and the responsibilities of health providers
and authorities. Human Rights: The Act emphasizes respect for human rights and dignity of
persons with mental disorders, ensuring that they receive appropriate care and treatment in
accordance with their rights. Treatment Facilities: It defines the types of mental health facilities
and the standards they must adhere to, aiming to ensure that treatment and care are provided in a
conducive environment. Guardianship: The Act addresses issues related to guardianship and the
appointment of guardians for individuals who are unable to make decisions regarding their
treatment due to their mental condition. Community-based Care: It encourages the development
of community-based mental health services to support individuals with mental disorders within
their communities. Regulation and Oversight: The Act establishes mechanisms for the
regulation, inspection, and monitoring of mental health services and facilities to ensure
compliance with the law and quality standards. Capacity Building: There are provisions for the
training of mental health professionals and the promotion of research in mental health.

2.5.2 Social Services and Support Systems

The Tanzanian government, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, has

established various programs and services to support victims of mental health. These include
hotlines, shelters, and counseling services. Social workers are integral to the operation and
effectiveness of these services, providing the necessary expertise and support to victims (mental
health 2009)

2.6 Gaps in Literature and Areas for Further Research

While there is substantial literature on mental health problems to youth and the role of social
workers, gaps remain. Specifically, there is limited research on the effectiveness of social work
interventions in rural areas like Mbeya. Further studies are needed to understand the unique
challenges and successes in these contexts and to develop tailored strategies for intervention and
prevention (Heise, 2011).

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter outlines the research design, target population, sampling techniques, data collection
methods, and data analysis procedures used in the study. The objective is to detail the
methodological approach employed to assess the factors that contribute the increase in mental
health problems to youth in Mbeya region.

3.2 Study Design

This study will employ a cross-sectional descriptive design to assess the factor that contribute
increase in mental health problems to youth in Mbeya region. A cross-sectional study design is
appropriate as it allows for the collection of data at a single point in time, providing a snapshot of
the current situation regarding mental health to youth.

3.3 Study Area

The study will be conducted in the Mbeya region, located in the southwestern part of Tanzania.
Mbeya is a significant area with both urban and rural settings, making it ideal for studying the
varied impact of social work interventions in different contexts. The region has a diverse
population and a history of reported mental health cases, which provides a relevant backdrop for
this study.

3.4 Study Population (Target Population)

The target population for this study includes all youth who have experienced mental health
problems and have sought help from social workers in the Mbeya region, as well as the social
workers who provide these services. The study sampling units will be:
- Youth aged 18 and above who have reported mental health cases to social workers.

3.5 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

 Youth aged 18 years and above who have experienced domestic violence and sought help
from social workers.

 Social workers who have been practicing in the Mbeya region for at least one year and have
handled mental health cases.

Exclusion Criteria

 Youth below 18 years of age.

 Individuals who have not sought help from social workers for mental problem issues.

 Social workers who have less than one year of experience in the Mbeya region or have not
handled mental health cases.

3.6 Sampling Technique

The study will use a purposive sampling technique to recruit participants. Social workers in the
Mbeya region will be identified through local social work agencies, hospitals, and non-
governmental organizations (NGOs) that handle mental health cases. Youth who have sought
help from these social workers will be recruited through referrals from the social workers
themselves. This technique ensures that participants are directly relevant to the study's
objectives.

3.7 Sample Size

The sample size will be determined using Cochran's formula for sample size calculation for an
infinite population:

\ [n = \frac{Z^2 \cdot p \cdot (1 - p)}{e^2} \]

Where:

- \( n \) = required sample size

- \( Z \) = Z-value (1.96 for a 95% confidence level)

- \( p \) = estimated proportion of the population (assumed to be 0.5 for maximum variability)

- \( e \) = margin of error (0.05)

\[ n = \frac{(1.96)^2 \cdot 0.5 \cdot (1 - 0.5)}{(0.05)^2} = 384 \]

Therefore, the required sample size is 384 participants. To account for non-responses and
incomplete questionnaires, the sample size will be increased by 10%, resulting in a final sample
size of approximately 422 participants.

3.8 Data Collection and Tools

Data will be collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The
questionnaires will be administered to both social workers and youth who have experienced
mental health problems. The questionnaires will cover demographic information, experiences of
mental health problems, the role and interventions of social workers, and the outcomes of these
interventions. In-depth interviews will be conducted with a subset of participants to gather
detailed qualitative data on their experiences and perceptions.

3.9 Validity and Reliability of Data

To ensure the validity and reliability of the data, the questionnaires will be pre-tested on a small
sample of respondents from a different but similar population. Any necessary adjustments will be
made based on the pre-test results. The reliability of the data will be assessed using Cornbrash’s
alpha for internal consistency. A Cranach’s alpha value of 0.7 or higher will be considered
acceptable.

3.10 Data Processing and Analysis

Data will be entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, such as
frequencies and percentages, will be used to summarize the data. Inferential statistics, such as
chi-square tests and logistic regression, will be employed to examine the relationships between
variables. The expected findings will include the prevalence of domestic violence, the types of
interventions provided by social workers, and the perceived effectiveness of these interventions.

3.11 Dissemination of Results

The study results will be disseminated through various channels, including:

- Presentations at academic and professional conferences.

- Publication in peer-reviewed journals.

- Reports and presentations to stakeholders, including local government agencies, NGOs, and
social work organizations.

- Community meetings and workshops in the Mbeya region.

3.12 Ethical Considerations

Ethical approval will be sought from the relevant ethical review board before the commencement
of the study. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants, ensuring they are fully
aware of the study's purpose, procedures, and their rights. Confidentiality will be maintained by
anonym zing data and securely storing all records. Participants will be assured of their right to
withdraw from the study at any time without any repercussions.

3.13 Study Limitations

Potential limitations of the study include:

- The reliance on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall bias or social desirability
bias.

- The purposive sampling technique may limit the generalizability of the findings to the wider
population.

- Potential difficulties in recruiting participants due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
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