Psychosocial Factors and Cultural and Communicative Aspects for the Design of a Social Knowledge Appropriation Strategy to Strengthen Mental Health Promotion and Prevention in University Students in Montería, Colombia, and Cuenca, Ecuador. UPB-UPS

This research project, led by the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, aims to strengthen mental health promotion and prevention among university students in Monteria, Colombia, and Cuenca, Ecuador. Building on an initial phase focused on pandemic-era care, this stage centers on evaluating psychosocial factors and identifying cultural and communicative beliefs that influence mental health perception. The methodology employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis via SPSS and qualitative analysis via N-VIVO to understand the needs of the student population. By integrating the SAM digital application, the project develops communication and science education strategies to foster the social appropriation of knowledge. Expected impacts include the generation of new scientific knowledge, human resource training, and the implementation of technological tools adaptable to diverse sociocultural contexts. With a budget of 49,200 USD, the initiative seeks to consolidate a social innovation model that transcends geographical boundaries, improving comprehensive care and the culture of mental health prevention for the youth population.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To analyze psychosocial, cultural, and communicative factors to design a social appropriation of knowledge strategy that strengthens mental health in university students from Monteria and Cuenca. The project aims to promote prevention and well-being through the use of the SAM application.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Education, communication and interculturality