Bhekithemba Vellem

Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

Title: Co-Designing a Mobile Health Intervention to Reduce Stress Among Health Science Students in Rural South African Universities

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Biography

Bhekithemba Vellem is a PhD candidate and Lecturer in the Department of Nursing at Walter Sisulu University. He holds a master’s in advanced psychiatric nursing, a B.Cur, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Education, with over seven years of both clinical psychiatric in academia expertise. He is a member of International Association for Psychiatric Nurses and serves on multiple university committees. He is a grant collaborator with WSU, Stellenbosch University, and OsloMet (Norway), and a member of the Australia- Africa Universities Network (AAUN). He has published in peer-reviewed journals and co-authored a book chapter. His research focuses on student mental health, digital interventions, and nursing education in resource-limited settings.

Abstract

Stress among health science students, particularly in rural South African universities, remains a significant challenge, affecting academic performance and overall well-being. This study aimed to co-design a culturally appropriate, accessible mobile health (mHealth) intervention tailored to reduce stress in this population. Using a centred design approach, health science students, faculty, and mental health professionals from two rural universities in South Africa collaborated throughout the development process to ensure relevance and usability. Mixed methods were employed, including focus groups, surveys, and usability testing, to gather qualitative and quantitative data on stressors, coping mechanisms, and mobile technology use. Preliminary results indicate high levels of perceived stress and a strong interest in mobile-based stress management tools. User feedback guided the integration of evidence-based stress reduction techniques, including mindfulness exercises, psychoeducation, and peer support features, into the app prototype. A pilot test demonstrated improved stress awareness and self-reported coping effectiveness among participants. The study highlights the importance of co-designing interventions with end-users in resource-constrained rural settings to enhance acceptance and sustainability. Future work will focus on larger-scale implementation and impact evaluation. This initiative contributes to addressing mental health disparities within South African higher education by leveraging mobile technology.