ECOLOGIES OF DISTRESS: HOW OFF CAMPUS HOUSING AFFECTS STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH IN RURAL SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

Students' tenancy in rural and previously disadvantaged universities is a catalyst for poor mental health among university students in a transforming country. In 1994, South Africa opened doors to previously disadvantaged communities to access higher education. The influx into universities during the post-apartheid era put a strain on infrastructure including access to accommodation. As such, students sought accommodation in neighbouring communities to access education. This transition exposes them to unregulated establishments that may compromise their mental health. However, less is understood in terms of how these rented and unaccredited houses affect the mental health of the students. The purpose of this research was to understand the mental health challenges faced by student tenants in rented houses in a previously disadvantaged university situated in a rural area. Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory, this study investigated how the interconnected layers of student living space affected their mental health challenges including environmental health, security and criminality. The study adopted a qualitative approach to explore the lived experience of students living in rented houses. Data was collected through semi structured interviews and focus group discussions with 27 students and 3 university personnel who were purposively selected. The study interviewed the participants between 2019 and 2022 as part of a PhD study. The Covid19 regulation was observed. Due to the sensitive nature of the study, strict referral strategy was implemented. The study used a thematic analysis framed through Bronfenbrenner’s five systems: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem and chronosystem. The result indicates that the constant worry surrounding gunshots and security are great threats to the students’ poor mental health. In conclusion, student mental health is a systematic rather than an individual phenomenon. The study recommends that the university should contextualise and implement the norms and standards for student housing as issued by the DHET. To also strengthen the mesosystemic links between the institutions and landlords’ policies towards protection of students’ quality of mental health, the environmental health and social security issues.