Browsing by Author "Chege, Mary"

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    Effectiveness of Behavioural Activation on Reduction of Depression Symptoms among Children and Adolescents: A Study of Selected Children’s Homes in Kajiado County, Kenya
    (Daystar University School of Human and Social Sciences, 2017-09) Chege, Mary
    The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of behavioural activation (BA) in reducing depression symptoms in a sample of 186 children and adolescents from selected children’s homes in Kajiado County. This study was quasi-experimental and used the operant conditioning theory. This theory was ideal because children and adolescents are subject to various positive consequences that subtly shape their behaviour. The participants were purposively sampled and were between ages 9-17 both males and females with a mean age of 13. Participants with scores of 11 or higher on the depression subscale were randomly assigned into either experimental or control arms. The experimental arm received 10 sessions of BA with the control arm receiving treatment as usual (TAU). The participants completed a demographic questionnaire as well as CDI and BAI assessment tools to assess for depression and anxiety symptoms respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS Version 20 was used to identify factors independently associated with levels of depression symptoms. The mean score for the levels of depression was 18.6 (±5.6SD). Results revealed that father not alive, Kiswahili as the primary language and current class grade were the predictors of elevated CDI scores. The CDI scores reduction among the participants was significantly associated with time of follow-up (Estimate= -5.86; 95% CI: -8.91 to -2.81; p<0.001) and the intervention (Estimate= -1.86; 95% CI: -3.22 to -0.50; p=0.012). Based on these findings, BA is recommended for children and adolescents presenting with symptoms of depression. Further, this study will help curriculum developers to integrate mental health into the school curriculum. This will help in arresting the symptoms of depression among children and adolescents appropriately and timely.
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    Effectiveness of Behavioural Activation on Reduction of Depression Symptoms among Children and Adolescents: A Study of Seven Selected Children’s Homes in Kajiado County, Kenya
    (Elixir, 2018) Munene, Alice; Chege, Mary; Radoli, Lydia Ouma
    The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of behavioural activation (BA) in reducing depression symptoms in a sample of 186 children and adolescents from selected children’s homes in Kajiado County. This study was quasi-experimental and used the operant conditioning theory. This theory was ideal because children and adolescents are subject to various positive consequences that subtly shape their behaviour. The participants were purposively sampled and were between ages 9-17 both males and females with a mean age of 13. Participants with scores of 11 or higher on the depression subscale were randomly assigned into either experimental or control arms. The experimental arm received 10 sessions of BA with the control arm receiving treatment as usual (TAU). The participants completed a demographic questionnaire as well as CDI to assess for depression symptoms. Multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS Version 20 was used to identify factors independently associated with levels of depression symptoms. The mean score for the levels of depression was 18.6 (±5.6SD). The CDI scores reduction among the participants was significantly associated with time of follow-up (Estimate= -5.86; 95% CI: -8.91 to -2.81; p<0.001) and the intervention (Estimate= -1.86; 95% CI: -3.22 to -0.50; p=0.012). Based on these findings, BA is recommended for children and adolescents presenting with symptoms of depression. Further, this study will help curriculum developers to integrate mental health into the school curriculum. This will help in arresting the symptoms of depression among children and adolescents appropriately and timely.
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    Factors Associated with Elevated Anxiety Scores among Children and Adolescents: A Study of Selected Children’s Homes in Kajiado County, Kenya.
    (International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research, 2017) Munene, Alice; Chege, Mary; Radoli, Lydia Ouma
    Child and adolescent anxiety disorders are the most prevalent forms of childhood psychopathology. Research on child and adolescent anxiety disorders has predominantly been done in westernized societies. Hence, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence, comorbidity, and predictors of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents in non-western societies including those in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the factors associated with elevated anxiety scores among children and adolescents in selected children’s homes in Kajiado County. A quasi experimental study was conducted on 186 participants (aged 9-17 years). The anxiety symptoms of the participants were based on a BAI tool for assessment. Results of the BAI revealed that the mean score was 19.5 (±12.1SD). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with elevated BAI Scores. Three predictors were significantly associated with elevated BAI scores, female gender, being on medication and the participants viewing themselves as failures. Since anxiety is associated with immense healthcare costs, it is imperative that this disorder is recognised in good time for appropriate and timely intervention.
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    Factors Associated with Elevated Depression Scores among Children and Adolescents: A Study of selected Children’s Homes in Kajiado County, Kenya
    (International Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Research, 2018) Chege, Mary; Munene, Alice; Oladipo, Rebecca
    The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of behavioural activation (BA) in reducing depression symptoms. Depression is a common mental health problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Children entering foster care have a higher prevalence of clinically significant depression than children reared at home. This study examined the factors associated with elevated depression scores among children and adolescents in seven selected children’s homes in Kajiado County. A quasiexperimental study was conducted with 186 participants aged 9-17 years. The participants (male and female) with a mean age of 13 years were purposively sampled. Data collection tools included Child Depression Inventory (CDI) for assessment of depression and a demographic questionnaire to gather socio-demographic data. Logistic regression revealed three predictors that were significantly associated with elevated CDI scores, namely using Kiswahili as the primary language of communication, death of father, and age/class. The study revealed that the overall level of depression was 18.6 (±5.6SD). Recommendations were made for routine and frequent mental check-ups to be provided in those homes in an effort to help identify depression symptoms and intervene appropriately and timely.