Student awarded funds for dissertation research on menstrual hygiene in Uganda

Flavia Namuwonge, a third-year doctoral student in the Brown School’s PhD in Social Work program and a scholar in the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, has been awarded $151,382 through the National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research Program.

The funding will support Namuwonge’s dissertation research titled “Examining the Impact of Menstrual Hygiene Management on Academic Achievement and Mental Health Outcomes among School-Going Adolescent Girls in Uganda.” Her work builds on the Suubi4Stronger Families study, led by Fred M. Ssewamala, the William E. Gordon Distinguished Professor, and Mary McKay, executive vice provost and former dean of the Brown School. The larger study foccuses on strengthening financial stability and parenting to address child behavioral health in Uganda.

Namuwonge’s dissertation study aims to:

• Assess how menstrual hygiene relates to school attendance rates, academic achievement, and mental health among adolescent girls in Southern Uganda. 
  
• Explore the effects of socio-cultural factors on menstrual hygiene, educational experiences, and mental health of adolescent girls in Southern Uganda.

Reflecting on the moment she learned about the award, Namuwonge described its emotional impact:

“This came during the final stages of my qualifying exam. When I read the email, I was overwhelmed by a mix of disbelief and joy. It felt unreal—almost too big to believe,” she said. “I was so excited that I struggled to focus on my exam, eventually stepping out to pace between Hillman and the Brown buildings just to process what had happened. It’s still a huge feeling, and I am filled with gratitude and pride.”

Namuwonge credited her success to the guidance and support of her mentors. She highlighted the encouragement of Ssewamala, who urged her to apply and connected her with Suzannah Allison, the NIH official who facilitated the process. She also expressed gratitude to McKay, Nhial T. Tutlam, assistant professor, Proscovia Nabunya, assistant professor, and Ozge S. Bahar, research associate professor, who all provided critical support.

“I am deeply grateful for their mentorship, which supported my efforts in making this project a success,” Namuwonge said. “This has truly been a transformative and inspiring experience.”