Journal Articles

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Browsing Journal Articles by Author "Arasa, Josephine"

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    Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Orphaned Children in Institutions in Kiambu County, Kenya.
    (African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2022) Nduku, Arlene; Mulinge, Munyae; Arasa, Josephine
    In Kenya, many traumatic events have been recorded in the recent years whose consequences have been dire. Children exposed to traumatic events may have a higher prevalence of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than adults in the general population. One of the most studied and recommended intervention for trauma is the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Despite all the endorsements, the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in Kenya has not been determined. This study sought to determine the extent to which EMDR therapy reduces the levels of PTSD symptoms among children in institutions of care for orphans in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study employed a triangulated design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection and analysis. The study was carried out in Kiambu County within institutions of care for orphaned and vulnerable children. The target population for this study was 221 children in 50 registered institutions of care within Kiambu County aged between 11 and 17 years. The study used a sample of 157 respondents. To assess PTSD symptoms the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS) score were utilized. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to analyse data with the help of SPSS. Tables were used in the presentation of results. Majority 70.7% (n=111) tested positive for PTSD with 21% (n=33) having moderate PTSD and 19.1% (n=30) having severe PTSD. After the intervention, PTSD scores reduced from 23.0±10.2 to 14.4±9.0 (p<0.001). EMDR therapy was effective in treatment of children with PTSD in orphan institutions of care by significantly reducing PTSD symptoms. Mental health institutions to embrace EMDR therapy as an effective treatment method for not only PTSD but all other psychological and emotional distress as has been the practice in other parts of the world.
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    Levels of Depression in Men and Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence at a Gender Violence Recovery Centre in Kenya
    (African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2022) Waithira, Teresa; Arasa, Josephine; Kihara, Michael
    Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a worldwide human rights violation and a preventable public health concern. It affects males and females globally and has been linked to adverse health sequela, including depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. Literature shows that developing countries are the worst affected by IPV. This mixed-methods study aimed to identify levels of depression and associated demographic risk factors among male and female survivors of IPV seeking services at a Gender Violence and Recovery Centre (GVRC) in Nyeri County, Kenya. Study Questionnaires were distributed to 117 respondents, with an additional 30 reached through focus group discussions from May 2019-October 2019. Ten items derived from a shortened version of The Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D scale) were used to assess current depression amongst IPV survivors. The study found that more than half of the respondents (59%) reported severe depression, 34.2% indicated moderate depression, and 6.8% reported mild depression. This study adds to the growing literature on IPV and mental well-being. Regarding demographic risk factors, there was a significant association between gender and level of depression, χ 2 (2, N=117) = 1.038, p= .023), occupation status, χ 2 (6, N=117) = 11.25, p= .03) and presence of a previous partner, χ 2 (2, N=117) = 2.72, p= 0.041). Screening for depression and allied risk factors among male and female IPV survivors would be considered a vital intervention component and management tailored toward treatment therapies that help the survivors identify and change negative thought patterns and allied behaviors.
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    The Relationship Between Complex Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth Among Adolescents Living in Kibagare Informal Settlement
    (African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2023) Muraguri, Caroline W.; Arasa, Josephine; Kihara, Michael
    The relationship between trauma and post-traumatic growth in adolescents examines how the pathological effects of trauma are counteracted with great, long-lasting developmental growth impacts. The present study examined the relationship between complex trauma and post-traumatic growth among adolescents living in Kibagare Informal settlements. A descriptive-analytic quantitative design was used to measure the exposure to complex trauma outcomes of PTG elements of adolescents aged 8 to 18 years in the Kibagare Informal Settlement. The study's target population was adolescents from 3,000 households of Kibagare Informal Settlement attending St. Martin's School. Multi-stage sampling was conducted and the sample used in the study was 265 participants. The Child and Adolescent Trauma screening (CATS) tool was used to assess for exposure to traumatic life events and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory for Children Revised (PTGI -C-R) for measuring post-traumatic growth elements. A socio demographic and social support questionnaire was also used. The results showed that despite adolescents being exposed to complex trauma, they were capable of experiencing PTG. The study found a strong significant relationship between complex trauma and post-traumatic growth components and a medium to weak association of complex trauma components and post-traumatic growth elements. A Chi square and the Phi-Cramer's V test were used. The was a high association of exposure to community violence PS, χ² (6) = 132.137, p< 0.001, Phi of 0.706 and Cramer's V of 0.316; NP χ² (6) = 107.597, p< 0.001, Phi of 0.637 and Cramer's V of 0.285; AL, χ² (6) = 102.360, p< 0.001, Phi of 0.622 and Cramer's V of 0.278. Developing and nurturing PTG among adolescents who are exposed to complex trauma may foster a change in their core belief after a traumatic experience.