RP-Department of Psychology

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Relationship between Physical Abuse and Social Behavior of Children in Juvenile Schools in Kiambu County, Kenya
(AJOEI, 2024-11) Mungai, Martha Mwihaki; Ndirangu, Simon
Purpose: The study aimed to examine the significant relationship between physical abuse and the social behavior of children in juvenile schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. Research Methodology: The target population comprised 2,500 children in juvenile schools within Kiambu County. Utilizing Yamane's formula, a sample of 344 children was selected through simple random sampling from various juvenile schools. Data was gathered using questionnaires. A pilot study was conducted with 19 respondents from Kabete Rehabilitation Center, which was excluded from the final analysis. The study employed descriptive statistics (percentages, frequency, mean, and standard deviation) for variable description and inferential statistics, including Pearson Correlation and regression analysis, to examine the nature of the relationship between the variables. Findings: The study revealed a strong, positive, and significant relationship between physical abuse and social behavior among children in juvenile schools in Kiambu County, Kenya (r = .856, p = 0.000) at p < 0.05. The hypothesis stating there was no significant relationship was rejected, indicating that an increase in physical abuse correlates with decreased social behavior among the children. Conclusion: The findings highlight the detrimental impact of physical abuse on the social behavior of children in juvenile institutions, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions. Recommendation: The study recommends that parents and caregivers adopt positive disciplining methods to prevent child abuse. This can be achieved through effective monitoring, reinforcement of positive social behaviors, and prioritizing open communication.
Relationship between Psychotherapy and Mitigation of Self-Stigmitization among Adult Persons Living with HIV in Nairobi City, Kenya
(EANSO, 2024-10) Matete, Mary; Gatua, Davis
Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused a lot of suffering ever since the first case was reported. To date there are about 80,000,000 People living with HIV (PLWH). Although the rate of new infections has reduced, the effects remain far reaching, especially in Sub-Sahara Africa. Apprehension associated with HIV often scares many from finding out their HIV standing, considering restraint methods, avoiding risky conducts, and uplifting of PLWH endeavours. Many studies focused on HIV testing and counselling services which is for now mainly service provider driven. The drive of this study was showing the relationship between psychotherapy and mitigation of self-stigmatization (SS) among Adult PLWH in Embakasi East Sub-County (herein denoted Embakasi East), Nairobi City, County (herein denoted Nairobi City), Kenya; Social Cognitive Theory guided this study, employing descriptive research design on a target population of 3,886 PLWH registered for ART treatment at 7 public health centres in Embakasi East, Nairobi City. Cochran’s sample size formula was applied in determining the suitable sample size of 246 that was confirmed by the sampling table. Purposive sampling was used to select both the public health centres and the informants from each centre. Proportionate random sampling assisted in picking participants (both male and female), then random sampling was used to construct the sample. The sample of 246 (74 males and 172 females) was drawn, with 6 informants. Informants were interviewed and questionnaires completed by PLWH. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics, mainly frequencies, percentages and mean were applied on facts while thematic analysis on qualitative data. The study results showed that SS was very prevalent, caused by the respondents themselves and those around them. They acknowledged being hated, them hating themselves and did not want their HIV status known. Just a few had utilized psychotherapy service, who agreed that they were relieved a lot of pain they were undergoing, and they recommended it to others. The study recommended that authorities need to consider promoting and committing resources for psychotherapy as a solution to SS among PLWH, invest more in advocacy work, and invigorating sensitization among families on their role in supporting PLWH being.
Relationship between Family Resilience and Relapse Risk among Discharged Substance Users Attending Alcoholic Anonymous Groups in Nairobi City County; Kenya
(AJADA, 2023-12) Kibera, Tabitha Susan Wanjiku; Karega, Muchiri
Families encounter challenges when their loved one has a substance use disorder and has gone through a relapse. Relapse is the greatest hindrance to the fight against drug and substance abuse globally because it makes it very hard for people to stay away from substance abuse even after they have utilized resources in the rehabilitation process. Understanding all the aspects that impact relapse either positively or negatively is the foundation of understanding measures that can be established to curb this Substance use, hence the importance of this investigation. The study was designed to determine whether a relationship between family resilience and relapse risk existed among discharged individuals with SUD attending alcoholic anonymous groups in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Study objectives included: to determine the level of resilience among families of discharged substance users, to determine the status of relapse risk among discharged recovering individuals, and to establish the relationship between family resilience and relapse risk among the discharged substance users attending alcoholic anonymous groups in Nairobi city County, Kenya. The study employed a correlational research design using self-administered questionnaires to collect information on both relapse risk and family resilience. A sample of 93 respondents participated in the study. The theoretical framework used was Family Adjustment and Adaptation Response (FAAR). The SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data that showed significant correlation between family resilience and relapse risk, meaning that individuals with higher family resilience have a lower risk of relapse to substance use disorder. This finding has a major implication for relapse prevention such as suggesting that facilitators at the AA groups help recovering substance users explore their relationship with their loved ones. This would ensure that the individuals have worked on their resentments.
Effect of Mourning Rituals on Grief Resolution on Immediate Family Members of the Deceased among the Luhyia People in Busia County
(IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 2024) Nangira, Maximilla; Njeri, Eunice
Though Christianity and modernization have greatly influenced the mourning process and death rituals, many communitiesin the world still perform their traditional rites for the dead. Some communities purely bury their loved ones solely guided by traditions (Mwandayi, 2011), others use combined approaches with religious beliefs and modern methods while others accept purely modern or religious burial and mourning practices. These practices presumably have psychological effects on the grieving individuals. With the different approaches of mourning processes, this study was to establish the psychological effect of mourning rituals on grief resolution to immediate family members of the deceased among the Bakhayo,Basamia, Bamarachi,Banyala, to mention but a few in Busia County. The researchwas informed by the Kubler-Ross Theory of Grief and the Continuing Bonds Grief Model developed by Klass, Silverman, and Nickman. The study was conducted using descriptive and correlational research designs. 205,136 people living in Funyula and Nambale Sub-Counties were the study's target group. A total of 400 residents were included in this research study. The researchers employed a proportionate sampling method to ensure that a well- rounded sample was drawn from both of the Sub Counties. The actual participants for the study were chosen purposefully from each Sub-County. To test the research instruments, a pilot study was conducted, involving 40 individuals from one of the Sub-Counties who were not part of the main sample. Data collection involved the use of a questionnaire. Linear regression was used to analyze the study's hypothesis. Findings established that the majority of the participants (54%) had a high level of grief resolution, 24.4% had a low level of grief resolution and 21.6% had a moderate level of grief resolution. The mean score attained for grief resolution was 20.33 (SD = 6.099), indicating that on average, the participants had a moderate level of grief resolution. Linear regression findings established that mourning rituals had a positive impact on grief resolution (β=0.320, p=0.000). These findings imply that mourning rituals performed by the Luhya people in Busia County helped the bereaved achieve grief resolution.
Association between Disney Cartoon Program Watching and Prosocial Behavior Change of Children Aged 7 To 11 Years in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2024) Mokua, Olipha Mokeira; Kamina, Mary
Children's lives today are more than ever before greatly impacted by social media and this effect has resulted in certain traditional family lifestyles being replaced with modern lifestyles. Consequently, media has the ability to fundamentally influence societal views and alter behavior in subtle yet powerful ways. This study sought to determine the association between Disney cartoon program watching and prosocial behavior change of children aged 7 to 11 years in Nairobi County. The social cognitive theory of Albert Bandura (1986) served as a guide for the investigation. The study used a correlational research strategy that targeted 7500 pupils in selected primary schools in Nairobi County. A sample size of 308 pupils participated in this study. The study utilized purposive sampling to select the Kasarani primary school and pupils aged 7 to 11 years who particularly watch a range of Disney cartoons. The pilot of the study was carried out among 29 pupils at Kahawa garrison primary school. To gather information from pupils, a structured questionnaire was used. Validity of the study was ensured by structuring the questions according to the objectives, while a Cronbach alpha score of 0.7 and above was established in all the scales indicating that they were reliable. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation, and inferential statistics in the form of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r). The analysis was aided by SPSS version 23. Findings form the study established a positive correlation between time spent watching Disney cartoons and prosocial behavior, r (310) = 0.374, p <0.05. The findings imply that, the more time spent watching Disney cartoon programs with prosocial behavior, the more highly the prosocial behavior children acquire. The study therefore, concluded that students who watch Disney cartoons learn the importance of treating other people right, and the value of hard work, and shaped their language and speaking skills. The study recommends that parents control the amount of time their children spend watching cartoons because they can be addictive and too much of anything is bad. The study further recommends that parents should ensure that their children watch cartoons that portray acceptable behaviors or select the kinds of cartoon programs they would like their children to watch.
Relationship Between Group Culture and Athletic Performance among Sportsmen and Sportswomen at Kenyatta University in Nairobi City County, Kenya: Relationship Between Peer Pressure And Athletic Performance
(European Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2023) Kashamba, Grace Buyanzi; Buyanzi, Grace
The concept of group culture has been integrated in sports, where it allows sports women and sports men to bond creating a norm of behaviour and routine that directly influence how the team functions and performs. Kenyatta University is a recognized sports hub, producing talent who compete at both local, regional, and global levels. This study researched on the influence of group culture on the athletic performance of sports men and sports women at Kenyatta University. Consistently, one major construct of group culture, which is peer pressure, was studied. The research resulted in the formulation of a model that would be utilized to understand how to enhance the performance of sports men and women at Kenyatta University through group culture. The theory that was used for this study was operant conditioning by B. F Skinner. The behavioural approach considers that to maintain being a good performer in sports, one has to learn skills and unlearn the ones with a negative outcome. The research employed a correlational design. The independent variable was the group culture (peer pressure) while the dependent variable was athletic performance. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26.0 was utilized to analyze the data. The study was conducted at Kenyatta University, the main campus in Nairobi City County, Kenya, since this is where the sportsmen and sportswomen were easily found, considering the institution offers grounds where they come for training daily. The target population was the sportsmen and sportswomen who actively participate in the games and represent Kenyatta University in various league matches. The target population was approximately 606 athletes. The sample consisted of 241 sports men and sports women from the different games at Kenyatta University. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling, whereas questionnaires were used to collect data. The data analysis used in this study is quantitative analysis to investigate the relationship between group culture and athletic performance among sportsmen and sportswomen at Kenyatta University in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The outcome from this study revealed that higher levels of peer pressure were linked to decreased athletic performance, while greater implementation of group culture interventions was associated with improved athletic performance. The research resulted in measures that will form a model expected to assist the coaches in knowing how to enhance the group culture of their sportsmen and sportswomen, which may, in turn, improve their athletic performance.
Relationship between Perceived Parental Involvement and Treatment Adherence among Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Patients in Rehabilitation Centers in Kiambu County, Kenya
(African Journal of Alcohol & Drug Abuse, 2023-12-31) Kabogo, Sharon; Muchiri, Karega
Adolescent substance use is a concern to families, schools, psychologists, and society at large as it hampers the ability to achieve personal and national goals. Despite efforts to provide quality treatment to adolescent substance users, there is scarce information on how parenting influences treatment dynamics. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between perceived parental involvement and treatment adherence among adolescent substance use disorder patients in selected rehabilitation centers in Kiambu County. Based on attachment theory, the study utilized a correlational survey design to establish the significance of the relationship between the study variables. The population targeted was 72 adolescents undergoing treatment in various rehabilitation centers in Kiambu County. Multistage sampling was used to obtain the sample. A questionnaire developed by the researcher was used to collect quantitative data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic factors, levels of adherence to treatment and perceived parental involvement. Correlations between perceived parental involvement and adherence to treatment were established using Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficient. The study found that adolescents rated maternal involvement (p= 0.024) higher than paternal involvement (p= -0.080). There was a markedly weak relationship between perceived parental involvement and adherence to treatment among adolescents (p= -0.034). The study recommends more research into the current forms of parental involvement that facilities have adopted while treating in-patient adolescent SUD clients.
Influence of COVID-19 Social Distancing Preventive Measure on the Psychological Well-Being of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) 2021 Candidates in Mombasa County, Kenya
(IJISRT, 2023-09) Gachungi, Catherine Karimi; Ndirangu, Simon
COVID-19 hit the world in 2019-2020 leading governments worldwide to close down learning institutions and enforce lockdown and curfew orders to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. School is a socializing agent and adolescents are at a stage where their social life affects or influences their development. Being students is a source of anxiety and therefore the present study was targeted at how social distancing affected the adolescent learner’s Psychological WellBeing (PWB). This study was aimed at establishing the influence of COVID-19 social distancing preventive measure on the PWB of KCSE 2021 candidates from secondary schools in Mombasa County, Kenya. This study used the ex post facto and the cross-sectional research designs. 378 high school students were sampled through random sampling; and 11 teachers were key informants. Collection of primary data was via a questionnaire sent online. The study used descriptive statistics in analyzing data collected; findings were presented in percentages and frequencies. Statistical inference consisted of multiple linear regression and correlation analysis. Findings showed that social distancing had a negative and significant correlation with PWB among KCSE 2021 candidates The study concluded that social distancing disconnected the KCSE 2021 candiadates from friends, also limited their engagement activities, and contributed to lack of social support, this affected their PWB.
Relationship between Substance Abuse and Sexual Violence among Women in Informal Urban Settlements in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(EANSO, 2024-05) Sitati, Vivian; Kipnusu, Robert C.
Sexual assault is against the law in Kenya. Yet many people, particularly women and girls, continue to experience Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) without receiving much assistance, suggesting that the regulations in place are ineffective. Drug and substance abuse has also become prevalent, especially among persons living within informal urban settings. This with the attendant rise in cases of domestic and SGBV means that there is a growing need for a deeper understanding of the nexus between drug abuse and sexual violence against women, and in particular, within Nairobi's informal urban settlements. Many women in Kenya have experienced sexual or physical assault. The research sought to determine the relationship between substance abuse and sexual violence among women in Nairobi City County's informal urban settlements; The Social Learning Theory guided this research adopting a correlation study design with a target population of 139 women in the groups who have experienced GBV and SGBV. Using stratified selection and proportional sampling approaches, the Yamane formula was utilized to calculate the sample size of 106 respondents. Information was gathered through questionnaires. Descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics like Pearson moment correlation and chi-square analysis, were used to analyse the data. From the study, it was indicated that both substance abuse and sexual violence have tremendous negative consequences on the health, socioeconomic, emotional, and psychological disposition of a person. The study also demonstrated the rise in drug and substance abuse led to an increase in cases of sexual violence. This shows that efforts to combat drug use and substance abuse have not been successful. Therefore, the study suggests that the government develop more potent methods of combating drug use and substance abuse.
Academic Engagement and Grit as Correlates of Academic Burnout among Form Three Students in Nyandarua County, Kenya
(IJSSHR, 2024) Gichomo, David; Oluoch, James; Ngunu, Susan
Academic burnout is a condition that arises from students’ feeling of exhaustion and incompetence in academics. The academic burnout might be due to multiple factors such as school assignments, continuous assessment tests among other examinations. These may lead to academic disinterest and students’ unexplained absenteeism. This study intended to establish the relationship between academic engagement and academic burnout among form three students in Kipipiri Sub-county in Nyandarua County, Kenya. Students experiencing academic burnout may face maladjustment that may seriously affect their academic path. Students in Nyandarua County secondary schools experience academic burnout. The aim of this study therefore, was to determine the relationship between academic engagement and academic burnout. Work engagement theory was used to guide this study. Correlation research design was employed. Form three students were the target population 1,152 (572 boys and 580 girls) from 8 secondary schools in Kipipiri Sub-county. The sampling methods that were used in the study are purposive sampling, proportionate sampling and simple random sampling. The sample comprised of 349 participants from 8 secondary schools. Research tools used consisted of the Utrecht work engagement scale meant for students and academic burnout scale. A pilot study was carried out using 36 students selected randomly in one of the schools within Kipipiri Sub-county. To ascertain validity of the research instrument, the researcher presented them to expert (supervisors) for scrutiny. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to ascertain the reliability of the research instruments. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 25) was used to compute inferential and descriptive statistic. The study established that there exists a significant negative relationship between academic engagement and academic burnout. r(345) = -.68, p< .05. The study recommended that teachers should come up with guidance programs and other more relevant interventions to help students boost their academic engagement in order to reduce academic burnout.
Assessment of Depressive Symptoms Severity among Secondary School Adolescents in Kiambu County, Kenya
(EdinBurg, 2023) Ngata, Theresia Wangari; Mvungu, Eunice Njeri
Depressive symptoms have different levels of severity such as mild, chronic as well as acute. The symptoms may lead to feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, sadness, and helplessness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the severity of depressive symptoms that are manifested by secondary school students in Kiambu County. The targeted population was secondary school adolescents in Kiambu County. Data was collected using standardized instruments. The adolescent depressive symptoms severity was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire9: Modified for Teens (PHQ-9: teens). The findings on the severity of depressive symptoms manifested by the adolescents revealed that 38.6% of students had mild depression, 24.2% had minimal depression, 20% had moderate depression, 13.3% had moderately severe depression and 3.9% had severe depression. The study recommends the need for the Ministry of Education to hire counselors and psychologists to provide mental health services in secondary schools. This will assist students in managing depressive symptoms. The study further recommends that school management introduce programs aimed at bringing parents and students together to discuss family issues affecting student’s mental health.
Influence of Anxiety on Non Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment among TB Patients in Selected Chest Clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya
(EJTAS, 2023) Osoo, Victor Okello; Oteyo, John Samson
Purpose. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of anxiety on Non adherence to tuberculosis treatment among Tb patients in selected chest clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya Methodology. The study adopted correlation research design as guided by the hypothesis that anxiety had an effect on Nonadherence to tuberculosis treatment. It was conducted in Mombasa County, Kenya in 3 selected Chest clinics. All tuberculosis patients were the target population. Convenience sampling was used to identify those registered and on active treatment while simple random sampling was used for those who accepted to participate in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires that had both open and close ended questions. Descriptive statistics helped in data analysis which were then presented using frequencies, percentages and tables Results. 312 respondents were interviewed, 91% reported that anxiety affected their Tb treatment. 75% of them reported that side effects of the Tb medicines were the reason they had anxiety, 16.3% said the long duration of therapy while 8.7% stated that misinformation was the cause. 17.3% of respondents with severe anxiety had moderate Nonadherence to their Tb treatment. Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation. From the result the study noted that the two most common triggers of anxiety in tuberculosis patients were Side effects and the long duration of treatment. It was noted there exists a relationship between anxiety and Non adherence but the association was not significant as indicated by chi-square (X2(4, 312) = [2.532], p = [p=.639]). Screening and assement of patients on long term treatment would be needful in helping manage comorbidities.
Social Competence as a Correlate of School Adjustment among Form One Students in Murang’a County, Kenya
(IJIRAS, 2023) Ndung’u, Mary Ngina; Isoe, Jasper; Mwangi, Cecilia; Ireri, Anthony
Most students face a lot of difficulties in adjusting to their new school environment when they join secondary schools. This has been reported among form one students in Murang'a County. As more students struggle to fit in and cope with school adjustment challenges, the issue has grown to be a major source of concern. It has resulted in major problems for certain students who have developed a negative attitude and behavior toward the school, making it difficult for them to engage in studying. Little effort has been made to investigate the factors that contribute to students' poor adjustment to new school environment. The purpose of the study therefore was to investigate social competence as a correlate of school adjustment amongst form one students. The study adopted correlational research design to establish the relationship between social competence and school adjustment. The target population of this study included all 6043 form one students in the county. The study sampled 362 students from 12 out of 51 secondary schools.Purposive sampling was used to choose Murang'a South Sub-County. The 12 secondary schools were sampled using a stratified sampling procedure. To confirm the validity and reliability of the research instruments, piloting was carried out in one school with a sample of 20 (10 boys and 10 girls). The quantitative data collected were analyzed using SPSS. Social competence among students and school adjustment showed a positive and significant correlation with school adjustment, r (347) =.39, p <.05. A statistically significant difference in adjustment between boys and girls was also found by the independent t-test, t (347) = 3.26, p<.05. This suggests that form one boys and girls' levels of school adjustment differ significantly in favour of boys. The findings imply that boys adjusted more successfully than girls. The study recommends that in order to strengthen and guarantee students' school adjustment, instructors and all other school stakeholders should increase students' social competence.
Analysis of Psychological Well-Being of Secondary School Teachers; A Review of Literature
(IPRJB, 2022) Gakinya, Grace Wanjiru; Wasanga, Christine; Kipnusu, Robert
Purpose: The goal of the study was to conduct an investigation into the psychological wellbeing of teachers in secondary schools. Methodology: The research strategy used was a desktop review. Google Scholar was used to track the foundational references and relevant scholarly articles. To fulfill the inclusion criterion, papers from the past ten years were used. Findings: Teachers' mental health was found to be correlated with both their self-efficacy and their work surroundings, independent of their demographics. Teachers' psychological well-being was found to be positively correlated with their levels of affective and normative commitment, which in turn was found to be positively correlated with teachers' levels of job satisfaction, desire to get involved in their work, and sense of competence on the job. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Based on the findings of this study, it is clear that assisting educators in developing their teaching competency and efficacy, as well as providing them with the tools they need to cope with workplace pressures, can have a positive effect on their mental health. It is also advised that, at the program level, supportive environments for both educators and students should be established. Psychotherapy based on the Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) will be used to examine how emotions and actions are expressed through one's ability to think. This theory should be applied in future as it proposes new methods of thinking that will result in better behavioral and emotional reactions.
Level of Anxiety among Tuberculosis Patients in Selected Chest Clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya
(IPRJB, 2023) Osoo, Victor Okello; Oteyo, John Samson
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the levels of anxiety among Tuberculosis patients in selected chest clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya. Methodology: The research adopted correlational design. The study was conducted in selected three chest clinics in Mombasa County. All tuberculosis patients diagnosed with active tuberculosis disease who are registered and collect their medicines from selected chest clinics in Mombasa County was the targeted population. Convenience sampling was applied because only patients on TB treatment within the period of study were interviewed. Simple random sampling was used to select participants from each stratum to be involved in the study. The sample size involved 200 TB patients. The research adopted questionnaire which consisted of both open ended and closed ended questions to collect data. The study adopted a questionnaire in collection of data. The questionnaire contained both open ended and close ended questionnaire. The researcher used descriptive statistics to help in organizing of data and it would also be helpful in summarizing of data for ease of making interpretations. Statistical Package for Social Science version 25 aided in data analysis. Frequency, percentages and moment was used in data analysis. Findings: From the study it was also clear that 17.3% of those respondents with moderate non-adherence had severe anxiety, 91% reported that anxiety affected their non-adherence. Side effects of the medication, long duration of treatment and misinformation were the main triggers of anxiety at 75%, 16.3% and 8.7% respectively. The analysis of data showed that 51.3% of the respondents experienced mild anxiety, 27.2% moderate anxiety while 21.5% had severe anxiety. Some of the factors that the respondents stated triggered their anxiety included; side effects of the medicine 75%, 16.3% long duration of therapy and 8.7% said misinformation about Tb treatment made them become anxious. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Care Seeking Behaviour may be used to anchor future studies relating to the level of anxiety to treatment among TB patients. According to the theory, a patient is motivated to seek treatment for a certain ailment when they have positive feelings about the available treatment options and they have been reassured thus have reduced anxiety. The study recommended that there is need for screening and intervention of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression among TB patients to mitigate non-adherence of TB treatment. This should be done through screening, assessment and use of evidenced based psychological intervention. There is need for community awareness to demystify diagnosis and treatment of TB, mitigate stigma and discrimination associated with TB and promotion of social support to TB patients in seeking and adhering to TB treatment.
Examining the Relationship between Selected Demographics and Levels of Vicarious Trauma among Teachers Working In Educational Assessment and Resource Centres in Kenya
(Centre for Democracy, Research and Development (CEDRED, 2023) Sirera, Merecia; Oteyo, John; Githae, Eunice; Njeri, Eunice; Chege, Lydia; Malasi, Flora; Mutheu, Jane
In the past two decades, there has been a rapid growth in research evidence showing that teachers working in educational assessment and resource centres (EARCs) are at risk of vicarious trauma (VT). Whilst the causes VT may be diverse, understanding personal demographics as indicators of potential vulnerability can help to support EARCs avoid exposure to extreme VT. However, studies that examine the association between individual demographic characteristics and traumatic symptoms are scarce, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries. This article reports part of the results of a cross-sectional survey-based PhD study on the emotional effects of vicarious trauma on professional development among teachers in educational assessment and resource centres in Kenya. The results presented in this document are based on a random sample (n = 107) of special needs teachers from Kenyan EARC centres. The study found that approximately 27.1% (at least 2 in every 10) of teachers working in EARCs exhibit traumatic symptoms, risk factors for VT. The study also found that there is no single demographic structure that uniquely characterises the group of teachers at risk for VT; however, teachers who had prior training in functional assessment (FA) were significantly less vulnerable to VT. The study also found that early career teachers with less than 10 years of professional experience exhibited significantly higher levels of VT compared to more experienced teachers. Other personal demographics that tend to influence levels of VT to a mild extent include highest level of academic training and gender where those with bachelor’s degree and male teachers tend to exhibit slightly higher levels of VT. It should be noted that age was not a significant factor in almost all cases. The study recommends the development of VT management skills in induction programmes for newly recruited EARC teachers. The study recommends establishment of EARC support system and mechanisms domiciled at the grassroot level.
Level of Non-Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment among TB Patients in Selected Chest Clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya
(IPRJB, 2023) Okello, Osoo Victor; Oteyo, John Samson
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the levels of non- adherence to tuberculosis treatment among TB patients in selected chest clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya. Methodology: The research adopted correlational design. The study was conducted in selected three chest clinics in Mombasa County. All tuberculosis patients diagnosed with active tuberculosis disease who are registered and collect their medicines from selected chest clinics in Mombasa County was the targeted population. Convenience sampling and simple random sampling was used. The sample size involved 200 TB patients. The research adopted questionnaire which consisted of both open ended and closed ended questions. The study adopted a questionnaire in collection of data. The questionnaire contained both open ended and close ended questionnaire. The researcher used descriptive statistics to help in organizing of data and it would also be helpful in summarizing of data for ease of making interpretations. Statistical Package for Social Science version 25 aided in data analysis. Frequency, percentages and moment was used in data analysis. Findings: Data analysis from this study that was summed and transformed into categories revealed 83% of the respondent’s experienced moderate nonadherence, 12.2% low non-adherence while 4.8% had high incidences of non-adherence. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Rational Emotive Theory may be used to anchor future studies relating to levels of nonadherence to TB treatment among TB patients. In this study, anxiety over the Tb diagnosis would be the activating agent, patient belief about treatment and treatment course and Non-adherence the consequence of the irrational belief. The study recommended that there is need for patients to be empowered with information on the importance of adherence to TB treatment to mitigate incidences of treatment failure and multidrug resistant tuberculosis through health education using health practitioners.
Effectiveness of a Music Based Intervention in Enhancing Problem Recognition among Clients with Substance Use Disorders in Residential Treatment Centers in Kenya
(Nacada, 2022) Antony, Chege; Muchiri, Karega; Beatrice, Kathungu
The treatment of clients with substance use disorders (SUDs) is a challenge especially when they lack insight into the substance use problem. Such clients may not seek treatment and if they do, may not benefit much from it. Therefore there was a need to enhance problem recognition (PR) among such clients. The study sought to determine the effectiveness of music-based intervention (MBI) in enhancing problem recognition among clients with substance use disorders in residential treatment in Kenya. The objective was to determine if there were significant differences in PR between clients exposed to MBI and the control group in a selected residential treatment center in Kenya. The study used a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group pretest posttest design. A total of 40 clients participated in the study, with the experimental and control group having 20 participants each. Findings revealed that the experimental group had significantly higher levels of PR at post-test compared to the control group after controlling for various covariates, suggesting that MBI in addition to treatment as usual may have contributed to increased PR in the treatment group. This indicates that the MBI was effective in enhancing PR among clients with SUDs. Therefore, the MBI may be used as an evidencebased complementary intervention in enhancing problem recognition among clients with SUD in treatment settings in Kenya.
Centering Decriminalization of Suicide in Low–And Middle–Income Countries on Effective Suicide Prevention Strategies.
(Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2022) Ochuku, Brenda K.; Natalie, E. Johnson; Osborn, Tom L.; Wasanga, Christine M.; Ndetei, David M.
Globally, over 800,000 people die by suicide every year. For every one completed suicide, 20 more attempts have been made. As previous attempts are one of the strongest predictors of future suicide, help-seeking in moments of crisis, particularly after an attempt, may have important implications for suicide prevention. Unfortunately, the criminalization of suicide in several countries hinders help-seeking, increases the stigmatization of those who attempt suicide and obstructs the accurate tracking of suicides. Here, we highlight the negative eects of suicide criminalization and discuss evidence-based strategies for suicide prevention such as means restriction, improved mental health literacy and access to psychosocial support, and responsible media coverage of suicide
Long Term Health Outcomes of Adolescent Character Strength Interventions: 3 To 4 Year Outcomes of Three Randomized Controlled Trials of the Shamiri Program
(BMC, 2022) Conerly, Katherine E. Venturo; Natalie, E. Johnson; Osborn, Tom L.; Pufer, Eve S.; Rusch, Thomas; Ndetei, David M.; Wasanga, Christine M.; Mutiso, Victoria; Musyimi, Christine; Weisz, John R.
Background: Adolescents in low- and middle-income countries in need of mental health care often do not receive it due to stigma, cost, and lack of mental health professionals. Culturally appropriate, brief, and low-cost interventions delivered by lay-providers can help overcome these barriers and appear efective at reducing symptoms of depres‑ sion and anxiety until several months post-intervention. However, little is known about whether these interventions may have long-term efects on health, mental health, social, or academic outcomes. Methods: Three previous randomized controlled trials of the Shamiri intervention, a 4-week, group-delivered, layprovider-led intervention, have been conducted in Kenyan high schools. Shamiri teaches positively focused interven‑ tion elements (i.e., growth mindset and strategies for growth, gratitude, and value afrmation) to target symptoms of depression and anxiety and to improve academic performance and social relationships, by fostering character strengths. In this long-term follow-up study, we will test whether these mental health, academic, social, and characterstrength outcomes, along with related health outcomes (e.g., sleep quality, heart-rate variability and activity level measured via wearables, HIV risk behaviors, alcohol and substance use), difer between the intervention and control group at 3–4-year follow-up. For primary analyses (Nanticipated=432), youths who participated in the three previous tri‑ als will be contacted again to assess whether outcomes at 3–4-year-follow-up difer for those in the Shamiri Interven‑ tion group compared to those in the study-skills active control group. Multi-level models will be used to model trajec‑ tories over time of primary outcomes and secondary outcomes that were collected in previous trials. For outcomes only collected at 3–4-year follow-up, tests of location diference (e.g., t-tests) will be used to assess group diferences in metric outcomes and diference tests (e.g., odds ratios) will be used to assess diferences in categorical outcomes. Finally, standardized efect sizes will be used to compare groups on all measures. Discussion: This follow-up study of participants from three randomized controlled trials of the Shamiri intervention will provide evidence bearing on the long-term and health and mental health efects of brief, lay-provider-delivered character strength interventions for youth in low- and middle-income countries.

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