Predictors of depression among adolescents joining selected public secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Depression is common among adolescents more so during the transition to secondary school, and the psychosocial and emotional changes that accompany adolescence. This study sought to assess the prevalence and predictors of depression among students joining public secondary schools in Nairobi County. The study was carried out at five selected public secondary schools in Nairobi County covering 539 students between the ages of 11 and 18 years. The Patient Health Questionnaire‐Adolescent version (PHQ‐A) was used to collect data on depression. For suicidal behavior, the Suicide Behavior Questionnaire‐revised version was used. The Adolescent Peer Relations Instrument was used to assess bullying victimization. These were augmented by a sociodemographic questionnaire. Depression prevalence rates were generated using a generalized linear model customized with a log link and a Poisson distribution for a common binary outcome. The prevalence of depression was found to be 14.5%, with a mean PHQ‐A score of 6.16 (SD = 3.16). Predictors of depression were suicide risk (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 3.07, confidence interval, CI [1.94–4.88]; p < .001) and lifetime alcohol use (aPR = 2.24, CI [1.36–3.68]; p = .001). Depression is prevalent among adolescents joining secondary schools in Nairobi County. Counselor‐led school‐based cognitive behavioral therapy could be a sustainable strategy for reducing depression symptoms and guiding preventive efforts among adolescents in this context.

Epidemiology of Substance Abuse Among the Youths in Makueni County, Kenya

“…In the same study, most respondents reported having been introduced to taking alcohol by friends. The findings of this study also concur with Musyoka, Ndiga and Waithima [29], that established that the family members who abuse drugs introduce them to their youths. In her Study, Katy [31] records that one source of drugs for teenage youths is fellow friends and their close associates in the markets close to schools where Bars and Muguka Dens are found.…”

“…Another study by Musyoka, Ndiga, & Waithima [29] found that failure to guide adolescents on substance use negatively influenced them to abuse substances.…”

Self-Assessment of Private Tahfiz Schools’ Governance and Infrastructures

“…There are many goals for facilities that facilitate teaching and learning. Mokaya (2013) addresses that the goal is to increase student attendance, enhance staff motivation and improve academic achievement. Osman et al (2019) point out the needs as to illustrate concept, provide opportunity for first-hand experience, experiment and demonstrate, scientific investigation and discovery, provide diversity of thought, observe and inquiry, develop scientific attitude and skills and protect the individual and provide comfort.…”