Promotion of mental health in communities: a university outreach experience with social impact

Abstract

The study analyzed the impact of university outreach activities on promoting community mental health in thirteen communities in Zone 5 of Ecuador, through the project “Promoting Mental Health in Communities of Zone 5,” implemented by the Technical University of Babahoyo between October 2023 and September 2025. The objective was to determine how these interventions affect the psychological well-being and social cohesion of vulnerable populations. A quantitative approach with a cuasi-experimental and descriptive design was used, applying structured surveys to 1,038 direct beneficiaries (62.91% women and 37.09% men), belonging to groups such as children, older adults, people with disabilities, and migrants. The instrument assessed variables such as mental health, community participation, and perception of the impact of the outreach activities.

The results showed significant improvements in self-esteem, emotional regulation, assertive communication, and a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Furthermore, a decrease in school bullying and a strengthening of the sense of community belonging were observed thanks to psychoeducational workshops such as "Understanding Our Emotions" and "Stress Management." The discussion highlights the effectiveness of university outreach as a preventive and community-based strategy in highly vulnerable rural contexts. It is concluded that psychological interventions from academia not only promote mental health but also generate mutual learning and strengthen support networks, validating outreach as a transformative force in professional training and social development.