Joseph Junior Muwonge exploring mental health equity
Meet one of our PhD students at the Department, Joseph Junior Muwonge, in the EPiCSS research group, whose work focuses on improving access to mental healthcare in Sweden. In this interview, he shares what drew him to KI, key findings from his research on socioeconomic and migrant-related disparities, and reflections on his PhD journey so far.
Joseph Junior Muwonge
Research group: Epidemiology of Psychiatric Conditions, Substance use and Social Environment (EPiCSS)
Thesis title: Equity in Mental healthcare use in Sweden: needs-adjusted utilisation rates, trends, and modifiable factors
Supervisor: Anna-Clara Hollander
Can you briefly tell us about your background and what led you to pursue doctoral studies at KI?
My background is in public health research, and my main interests are in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. I was drawn to KI because of the high quality of research conducted here and its long-standing collaboration with universities in Uganda such as Makerere University. As a Ugandan, this connection was particularly meaningful to me.
What is your doctoral thesis about? What is the overall aim of your research?
Timely access to mental healthcare services is crucial for preventing the worsening of symptoms, improving quality of life, and helping people lead fulfilling lives. Although effective treatments exist, only a fraction of those in need receive care. My research aims to enhance our understanding of unmet mental healthcare needs and the modifiable mechanisms underlying potential disparities in mental healthcare utilisation in Sweden.
You’ve studied socioeconomic disparities in access to mental health care – What have been the most surprising or significant findings?
A key finding was that socioeconomic disparities in mental healthcare utilisation vary by migrant status and are most evident in first-time contact, but not in the frequency of use among patients. This suggests that, to reduce disparities, we should prioritize efforts to remove barriers and support underserved groups in navigating the healthcare system.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a PhD student at KI?
The most rewarding part has been the privilege of accessing a wide range of literature and study resources, which has greatly enriched my learning and research.
Have you had any collaborations that have been particularly important for your development as a researcher?
Yes, my supervisors are research experts in migrant and refugee mental health, child and adolescent health, health equity, and the Swedish healthcare system, as well as psychiatric epidemiology, which are key areas of focus in my PhD studies.
I have also completed a research visit at the Department of Epidemiology & Applied Clinical Research, at the Division of Psychiatry, University College London, in the UK.
What advice would you give to new PhD students who are just starting their research journey?
Carpe diem! Time flies, so take advantage of all the great privileges you have as a PhD student at KI!