SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC RISK FACTORS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE IN CONTEXT OF ADOPTION OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AT THE KENYAN MEDICAL TRAINING COLLEGES (KMTC): A CRITICAL REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Authors: Dr. Collins Owuor, Dr. Grace Achieng Otieno, Kennedy Kinyua, Dr. Sylvia Nishorua Shunet, Haron Muiruri Muirugi & Cynthia Anyango Otieno 

ABSTRACT

This study set out to inquire on the intricate relationships between sociodemographic risk factors of mental health and academic performance among the university students with specific interest in Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). This underlies the importance of properly strategizing mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention in such transformed higher education environments that are increasing their scope with disruptive educational technologies.

Methodology: The study used a literature review technique to integrate previous studies on the distribution of mental health risk factors among university students and their influence on academic performance. It also assessed research on the deployment of e-learning technologies in higher education and their potential implications on students’ learning outcomes, especially in the setting of mental health challenges.

Results: Initial outcomes revealed a substantial relationship between several sociodemographic risk factors (e.g., financial restrictions, lack of social support) and mental health concerns among KMTC students, which severely impacted their academic performance. Furthermore, the implementation of e-learning tools like YouTube shown promise in increasing learning outcomes. However, its efficacy varied depending on the students’ mental health state and the inclusion of these technologies into the curriculum.

Conclusion: The research underlined the crucial need for inclusive mental health support systems in Kenya’s higher education institutions. It also highlighted the likelihood of e-learning technologies to alleviate some of the drawbacks associated with mental health disorders, provided they are successfully incorporated into students’ learning settings.

Keywords: Sociodemographic risk factors, mental health, transformative higher learning contexts, e-learning technologies, students’ academic performance, mental health support systems.

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