Daystar University Repository :: Browsing by Author "Tuikong, Sylvia"

Browsing by Author "Tuikong, Sylvia"

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A Storytelling Program for Women Living with HIV in an Informal Settlement in Kenya: Addressing Psychological Trauma, Depression and Stigma
(Archives of Palliative Care and Medicine, 2018-09-24) Njuguna, Susan; Tuikong, Sylvia; Ngure, Peter Kamau
Awareness of HIV and AIDS in Kenya is high but stigma is still experienced among women living with HIV. The supportive environment in support groups is correlated with reducing apprehension and depression among people living with HIV although psychological issues are not adequately addressed. A randomized control study with the intervention of narrative approach was carried out for Women living with HIV. Eligibility included a score of above 21 on the Impact of Event (IES- R) Scale, severe depression (CES-D) and scored high on the Internal Stigma Scale (HIV ISS). A structured group therapy session using narrative approach was conducted weekly for twelve (12) weeks for five groups of ten (10) members each. The finding was a reduction in the impact of event for all intervention groups on the Impact of Event Scale (IES-R). On the depressive scale, all members in the intervention groups moved from severe depression to moderate 37(75%) and mild 13(25%). The stigma scale indicated that 30(60 %) of the participants improved to moderate and mild while 20(40%) remained with severe stigma. Group therapy should be structured and adopt the narrative approach for women living with HIV. This will complement measures to reduce trauma from the impact of event, depression and internal stigma.
Addressing stigmatization in gender based violence(GBV). The problem with GBV in educational institutions
(Researchgate, 2018) Wafula, Judith; Tuikong, Sylvia
An Analysis of Types of Traumatic Events Experienced among Children in Children’s Homes in Nyeri County, Kenya
(International Journal of Environmental and Health Sciences, 2019) Maina, Peter; Munene, Alice; Tuikong, Sylvia
Due to their tender age and level of maturity, children are usually vulnerable to traumatic experiences. This is compounded by the fact that their mistreatment and neglect is astounding. The degrees of exposure to traumatic events experienced by children have been presented by various studies across the globe but it seems little attention has been given to the specific types of traumatic experiences children face. The purpose of this study was to analyse the types of traumatic events experienced among children in children’s homes in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study adopted a Quasi-experimental research design on a target population of two hundred and thirty five children from two selected children’s homes in Nyeri County. Stratified random sampling procedure was used to arrive at the sample of one hundred and sixty children. The study used semi structured questionnaires and the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS-SR-V), a PTSD symptom measure based on DSM-5 to collect data from children. The validation of the research instrument was done by subjecting the items in the questionnaire to content validity and its reliability determined using Pearson chi-square test. The data analysis was computed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Findings from the study generally show that a number of children in children’s homes in Nyeri are exposed to different types of traumatic life events. The research is likely to educate counselors about the types of trauma experienced by children and recommend the most suitable treatment for these traumatic experiences.
Assessment of PTSD Levels among Adolescents Residing At Neema and Tumaini Children Homes
(International Journal of Current Research, 2018-05-25) Kuria, Jane; Tuikong, Sylvia; Mwangi, Moses
Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine the levels of PTSD among adolescents living in Neema and Tumaini Children Homes in Nyandarua County, Kenya. Adolescents who are registered into Children homes are vulnerable and highly prone to PTSD. Traumatic events that are experienced by adolescents may lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective: To assess the levels of PTSD among Adolescents Residing at Neema and Tumaini Children Homes. Methodology: Quasi experimental research design was utilized for this study. The Population for the study consisted of 400 adolescents aged 11-17 years in the two homes. The Lemeshow et al., (1998) formula was used to calculate the sample size. A sample size of 180 from the two homes was obtained by use of purposive sampling. Out of the 180, 90 were for the experimental group (Neema), while 90 were for the control group (Tumaini). Adolescents were administered social demographic questionnaire, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for PTSD. Analysis: The collected data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 to compute univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis. The results indicated that overall mean PTSD score was 38.5 (I 7.9SD) ranging between 25 and 59 and the score was not significantly different between participants enrolled in the two homes. Results: The analysis of the study revealed that the adolescents who had mild PTSD were 51.3% and those who had moderate PTSD were 48.8%. Overall mean PTSD score was 38.5 (+ 7.9 SD). Conclusion: Adolescents in the homes have been found to suffer PTSD. The home managers should adapt therapeutic programs that help them recover and be able to live productive lives as they relate well with self, their caregivers and peers.
Efficacy of Solution Focused Therapy Among Women with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder due to Intimate Partner Violence in Selected Informal Settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya
(African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2023) Makena Njuki.; Muriungi, Susan K.; Tuikong, Sylvia
This study investigated the efficacy of Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) when employed as a therapeutic intervention to alleviate symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), among women who had experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) in informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study used Concurrent Triangulation mixed method design. Participants were women above the age of eighteen years who had been exposed to IPV. Screening for PTSD was done using the PTSD checklist for DSM-5, and the Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) to screen for IPV. A total of 116 study participants were selected through Convenience sampling. A baseline assessment was done followed by a 10-week Solution-Focused therapeutic intervention. A midline assessment was done thereafter to assess reduction of symptoms and an endline assessment done 12 weeks after the end of the intervention to assess longevity of the treatment effects. The results showed a notable reduction in the means of PTSD in the experimental group from baseline, midline to endline; PTSD (43.33; 27.02; 27.06). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated that there were statistically significant changes in symptomatology noted at baseline to midline (Z = -4.973, p <0.001) and baseline to endline (Z = -4.940, p <0.001), for the participants in the experimental group, whereas for the participants in the control group, there was no statistical significance noted (Z = - 1.048, p = 0.295) from midline to endline (Z =-.885, p = 0.376) and baseline to endline (Z = - 1.560, p =0.119). The study established that Solution Focused Therapy was an effective intervention in alleviating the symptoms of PTSD, in women who had experienced IPV in informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya. It recommended that more counsellors be trained in SFT as it is both time and cost effective.
Exploring the Relationship between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Criminogenic Factors in a Kenyan Prison Population
(African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2023) Waruinge, Njoki; Tuikong, Sylvia; Ayuya, Caroline
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and one of the most common mental disorders affecting children, but often persisting into adulthood. The disorder is considered a chronic and debilitating condition that is known to adversely impact the individual in many aspects of their life including daily functioning, interpersonal relationships, academic and occupational achievements. Some of the symptoms of ADHD expose the individual to behavioural and emotional challenges that may often be associated with negative outcomes, including crime. Global research has reported disproportionately higher rates of ADHD among youth and adult offenders across the criminal justice system. The disorder remains largely undiagnosed and untreated, more so amongst adults in general, and in prisoners in Kenya. This quasi-experimental study sought to investigate the criminogenic risk factors most associated with ADHD among an adult prison population aged 18-65 years, in Central Kenya. Data was obtained using a socio-demographic questionnaire from respondents (N=113) first screened for ADHD symptoms using Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist. Purposive sampling was applied to assign the participants into two groups: experimental (n = 52) and control (n = 61). With 95% confidence level and p-value of ≤ 0.05, descriptive and inferential analysis showed that ADHD among the inmates was statistically significantly associated with marital and educational circumstances, recidivism, and family environment. The study found a strong link between ADHD traits and criminogenic factors among male inmates in the selected Kenyan prisons, including self-control issues, antisocial behavioural traits, substance abuse, family difficulties, and educational challenges. It therefore recommends that ADHD should be accorded more attention in Kenya aimed at reducing incidences of criminal conviction and re-offending.
Forced Displacement and Its Effects On The Sustainable Development Goals
(Africa Amani Journal, 2020-12) Ndirangu, Grace; Tuikong, Sylvia; Okuto, Emily
A global commitment to better the lives of the most vulnerable in the world population is the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, whose commitment to leave no one behind in the development process. Forced displacement remains a major global problem with an increase in the number of displaced persons rising every day. Forced displacement is one of the major challenges of human security hence becoming a barrier to the attainment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The research was guided by objectives which were study factors leading to forced displacement and their effects on human security, effects of forced displacement on the human security of Congolese refugee women and the refugee protection policy gaps and its effects on human security. Two theories, Kunz’s Kinetic refugee theory and Rogge’s typology theory formed the basis of the research. The literature review examined secondary literature by other authors on forced displacement while the empirical review of the theories delved deeper into the theoretical perspective of forced displacement. The research design was based on ex post facto design. The target population was Congolese refugee women seeking services at an outreach center for one of the refugee agencies. The research sampled 60 Congolese refugee women who were randomly picked at the outreach center using simple random sampling. 10 key informants comprising of Agency staff from who did outreach programs in Mwiki ward in Kasarani were interviewed. Other key informants included refugee community leaders from. 2 focus group discussions sampled through purposive sampling were also interviewed. Qualitative data was collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Data analysis for quantitative data was analyzed through SPSS version 20.0 while qualitative data was coded intothemes and later interpreted based on the questions and objectives. The findings indicated that there was a statistically significant relationship between forced displacement and human security of the women refugees. The findings also indicated that forced displacement affected the physical security of the women by exposing them to continuous police harassment, extortion and arrests, lack of access to essential services such as healthcare subjection to physical abuse, torture and sexual violence through rape and sexual harassment. The findings showed that forced displacement affected the mental health of the refugees leading to worsening of the mental health conditions where many of the women refugees still had mental disorders such PSTD, stress, depression, Schizophrenia, suicidal tendencies, Insomnia, and helplessness. Recommendations from the study include the need for government and international actors to work together to eliminate armed groups and introduce programs for reintegration of ex-combatants. Other recommendations include the needs to revise asylum policies for a conducive environment for asylum seekers. The study recommends that law enforcement officers be trained on asylum processes to create a conducive environment for refugees.
Just Techno Panic or a Real Risk? Publishing Children’s Pictures Online: A Review of Literature
(International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 2022) Tuikong, Sylvia
The internet has become an essential resource for social interaction among children, but it brings with it both advantages and disadvantages that depend in part on how it is used. This study, which is anchored in social learning theory, employed a desktop review of existing literature that focused on Kenya but covered global and other regional levels as well. The study found a number of benefits of the internet for children: updating family and friends on new developments in the children’s lives, reviewing photos and other records of past events, engaging in online interactions, and increasing their capacity for learning. Nonetheless, there are also internet-specific risks, such as access to inappropriate content and unsafe interactions with other children or adults. Other risks include “digital kidnapping” and contact with perpetrators who encourage children to engage in sexual activity. Although some countries have policies on internet usage, few have specific policies or guidelines addressing children’s vulnerability when sharing their pictures online. Moreover, most such policies are not applied in practice, especially in African countries. The study recommends developing and implementing policy frameworks to protect children online and using privacy settings to protect their information.
Nature and Influence of Conflict in Kibera and Mathare Slums after 2007 Elections in Kenya
(International Journal of Recent Research in Social Sciences and Humanities (IJRRSSH), 2016) Wamalwa, Dennis Nyongesa; Wanjala, Tecla Namachanja; Tuikong, Sylvia
Conflict remains common place in the modern world with little clear distinction between war and peace. Even localized conflicts may have implications for world peace, stability and trade. Therefore, many nations who are not directly engaged in conflict are involved in efforts to monitor, manage and resolve actual or potential conflicts. If conflict is protracted, it will affect and transform a society and, therefore, a return to the situation prior to the conflict may not be possible or desirable. In many instances, these conflicts start because of the old regimes and the ways of dealing with its citizens by not representing them and oppressing or forcing them to a minimal standard of living. Conflicts can be classified in different ways depending on the nature and root cause as seen in the sub sections bellow. This paper Assess the nature and influence of the conflict in Kibera and Mathare divisions during the 2007/8 Post Election Violence. Methodologically, the study utilized secondary sources with major emphasis on primary data collection.
Prevalence and Correlates of Complicated Grief among Parentally Bereaved Children in Siaya County, Kenya.
(African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2020) Ongaro, Kennedy; Ngesa, Maureen O.; Tuikong, Sylvia
Death of a parent is considered as the most traumatic event that a child could go through. The psychological vulnerability coupled with sociocultural factors associated with bereavement further predispose children to risks of developing complicated grief. Although many of the reactions experienced by bereaved children are below the level that would indicate a disorder, orphaned children experience the significant difficulty that warrants clinical diagnosis and treatment. Considering that complicated grief in children is a less researched area particularly in Kenya, there is limited literature on the prevalence of complicated grief among orphaned children. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of orphaned children aged 10-15 years in selected public primary schools in Siaya County and assess risk factors associated with the development of complicated grief. The participants in this study were orphaned children who had experienced the death of at least one parent. A total of 426 orphans from 12 public primary schools were screened using the Brief Grief Questionnaire (BGQ). Those found to have elevated grief scores on the BGQ were then administered the Inventory for Complicated Grief to determine the clinical levels of grief. Out of the 426 participants screened, there were 397 valid screens in which 34% (n=134) scored less than 5 points while 263 participants (66%) scored 5 points and above indicating that they had significantly elevated/pathological grief symptoms. A binomial test was used to determine the prevalence of grief, and linear regression analysis was used to establish risk factors associated with complicated grief. Using the Inventory for Complicated Grief (ICG), to determine the clinical levels, a mean grief score of 31.6 (SD = 9.52) was recorded. The results further revealed that the number of siblings, separation from siblings, and level of closeness to deceased mother were associated with significantly elevated grief scores while age, gender and level of closeness with deceased father were not associated with increased levels of grief. The results on prevalence and risk factors are critical in identifying bereaved children at high risk of developing complicated grief and targeting grief interventions for these vulnerable groups.
Prevalence, Challenges, and Interventions for Child Neglect: Cases Reported through Childline Kenya Helpline (2016-2018)
(Open Journal of Social Sciences, 2020) Tuikong, Sylvia
It is not easy to approximate the degree and scale of maltreatment meted against children. However, the world today is reporting a consistent increase in the number of children who are subjects of investigation or alternative response. This is a cue that the likely number of children who finally get confirmed as maltreated may be very high. Kenya particularly, is reporting an increasing rate of violence against children. This study examined the prevalence of child neglect cases reported through Childline Kenya over a period of three years, 2016 to 2018, the nature and trends of child neglect cases reported in Kenya and the interventions employed by Childline Kenya to curb child neglect. The descriptive research design was used for the study. The data were collected through Childline Kenya’s helpline “116” harnessed from received phone calls from 2016 to 2018. Childline Kenya personnel received calls and recorded child neglect cases that were reported through this span of time. Interviews with Childline Kenya personnel were also conducted to complement the data reported through phone calls. Further, a desktop review of best practices of preventing and intervening for child neglect were also conducted. The collected data are presented through descriptive statistics, tables, graphs and emerging themes. The study found that, on average, there was a high prevalence of reported child neglect cases in Kenya, that there was an increase in child neglect cases reported in 2016 and 2017, with a slight drop in 2018. It also emerged that both males and females experienced child neglect, but more cases were reported among the males than females. Case management plan is the key strategy used by Childline Kenya as an intervention measure.
Prevelence of Differnt Forms of Intimate Partner Violence Among Women in Informal Settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya.
(PAC University Journal of Arts & Social Sciences, 2023) Njuki, Makena; Muriungi, Susan K.; Tuikong, Sylvia
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has a wide range of negative effects on the women who experience it. These may range from mental health issues to death. There are frequent reports in the media of IPV, while others go unreported. However, for the relevant authorities to be able to enact policies that turn the tide, it is vital that data be presented that illustrates the magnitude of the issue. There are various forms of Intimate Partner Violence that are perpetrated globally. IPV may be psychological, physical, economic, or sexual. This paper reviews the prevalence of different forms of Intimate Partner Violence in informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study used Concurrent Triangulation which is a mixed method research design. Participants were women above the age of eighteen years who had been exposed to IPV. They were screened for IPV using the Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST). This was done at the onset of the study, to obtain the baseline assessment. The therapeutic intervention took place on a weekly basis for a period of 10 weeks. After this, there was a midline and end-line assessment. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. The results showed that the most prevalent form of abuse among the respondents was verbal abuse (93.9%) followed by physical abuse (92.5%) and then sexual abuse (88.6%). Overall, this study established that there is a high prevalence of different forms of IPV in informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya.
Proportions and Severity Levels of Anxiety among Children and Adolescents Presenting with Autism Spectrum Disorder in two Schools in Nairobi, Kenya
(Elixir Psychology, 2017-08-15) Ireri, Niceta W.; Mbwayo, Anne W.; Munene, Alice; Tuikong, Sylvia
Autism is one disorder among a spectrum of disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). It is a general term that describes mental ailments that has diverse symptoms and characteristics. These include; restricted/repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities during the early developmental period. Others exhibit hyperactivity, aggression and anxiety. The individual’s functionality is impaired requiring early intervention. Anxiety is a common comorbid and if left untreated affects the social functionality in ASD. This study looked at the proportion and levels of severity of the anxiety in a sample of 80 school children and adolescents with ASD. The goal of this study was to determine the levels, proportions and severity of anxiety among children presenting with ASD. The sample of 80 children and adolescents with ASD were observed and rated by their parents/teachers/caregivers using the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory (CASI) to measure anxiety. Eighty four percent of the total sample met cut-off criteria of at least one anxiety disorder. Anxiety was associated with poor coping skills and greater impairments in social reciprocity. Anxiety is a common comorbid in ASD which requires clinical assessment and treatment. It is important to those who deal with children and adolescent with ASD to understand the symptoms and management of anxiety both in school and other settings (home, social places).
PTSD, Depression and Anxiety Comorbidity Among Adolescents Living in Neema and Tumaini Children Homes.
(International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research, 2018) Kuria, Jane; Wahome, Lillian; Tuikong, Sylvia
Previous studies on Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents have indicated that PTSD is co-morbid with other mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that may develop following an individual’s experiences or even witness of traumatic experiences where the natural ability of “fight or flight” responses are damaged or altered. The purpose of this study was to identify co-morbidities of PTSD among adolescents. The target population of the study was Neema and Tumaini children homes at Nyandarua County, Kenya. Quasi –experimental research design was adopted for this study with a target of 402 adolescents living in the children’s home. A sample size of 160 was selected using purposive sampling. The tools used for this study included University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) PTSD-Revised Index for PTSD, Children Depression Inventort (CDI) for depression and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for anxiety. Data was analyzed using SPSS-21 and was presented through tabulation. The findings of this research indicate that PTSD co-morbids depression and anxiety. The analysis conducted at the end of the study showed that ICBT significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms with P<0.003 for depression and P<0.001 for anxiety.
Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Incarcetrated Male Adults With ADHD in Selected Prisons in Kenya
(European Journal of Social Sciences Studies, 2023) Waruinge, Njoki; Ayuya, Caroline; Tuikong, Sylvia
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder characterized by difficulties in behaviour control. This study aimed to explore the socio-demographic characteristics of incarcerated male adults with ADHD in selected prisons in Kenya. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. The target population consisted of incarcerated male adults aged 18 to 65 years. The study revealed important insights into the profile of these individuals. The majority of respondents fell within the age range of 20 to 50 years, indicating a prevalence of ADHD among individuals in their prime adulthood. Common previous occupations included agriculture, transport-related, and casual jobs. Marital status analysis showed a significant number of married respondents, highlighting family responsibilities among incarcerated male adults with ADHD. In terms of education, the majority had levels below college, with primary and secondary education being the most common backgrounds. First-borns had the highest representation, and many respondents came from large families with four or more children. Mothers were reported as the most common parent during the respondents' childhood. Regarding income levels, the majority had low-income levels, reflecting socioeconomic challenges faced by incarcerated male adults with ADHD and their limited financial resources. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the socio-demographic characteristics of incarcerated male adults with ADHD in Kenya. The insights gained from this study may inform targeted interventions and support services within the prison system to address the specific needs of this population.
Treating Complicated Grief among Orphaned Children in Kenya: Effectiveness of Complicated Grief Therapy
(Open Journal of Social Sciences, 2020) Ngesa, Maureen O.; Tuikong, Sylvia; Ongaro, Kennedy
Complicated Grief (CG) also referred to as complicated bereavement is a clinically significant condition even though there is limited evidence on its prevalence and treatment in Kenya and Africa in general. The main aim of this 2019 study was to test the efficacy of a modified Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT) in treating complicated grief (CG) among orphaned children. A total of 426 orphaned children aged 10 - 15 years were screened using the Brief Grief Questionnaire to sample those with elevated grief scores. Of the 263 who met the criteria, only 241 participants fully participated in the six months study with 123 and 118 participants in the treatment and the control groups respectively. The treatment group was subjected to a shortened version of the CGT (12 weeks) while no treatment was offered to the control group. The prevalence of grief among orphaned children was 66% and using the Inventory for Complicated Grief, to determine the clinical levels, a mean grief score of 31.6 (SD = 9.52) was recorded. The reduced version of CGT was effective in the reduction of complicated grief symptoms t(122) = −15.79, p < 0.001 at a weekly reduction of 1.29 points. In the case of the control group, the paired sample test showed a statistically insignificant reduction of CG score, t(117) = −0.712, p = 0.478. Conclusions: Reducing CGT sessions 12 sessions to make it shorter and less stringent and using it as group therapy in a school setup did not interfere with its effect on the treatment of complicated grief among orphaned children.
Types and Nature of Peace Building Strategies Employed by Humanitarian Organizations after 2007 Post Election Violence in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya.
(International Journal of Recent Research in Social Sciences and Humanities (IJRRSSH, 2016) Tuikong, Sylvia
The memories of the events of the 2007 post-election violence that ravaged the country, still brings a lot of pain to many Kenyans. Despite the use of diverse peace building strategies in the region over the years, sustainable peace is yet to be achieved. This situation generated questions as to whether the peace building strategies used were truly effective. This study examined the types and nature of peace building strategies used in Uasin Gishu County after the 2007 post-election violence. Four humanitarian organizations that were active in peace building efforts in the county were involved in the study. The humanitarian organizations studied were the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC), Rural Women Peace Link (RWPL), Wareng Youth Initiative for Peace and Development (WYIPD) and Africa Sports and Talents Empowerment Program (ASTEP-Kenya). The conceptual framework of the study was drawn from the Conflict Transformation and Human Needs theories. Descriptive and exploratory designs were used in the study, as well as the quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population was 894,406. A sample size of 400 respondents was used. This study adopted stratified sampling procedure. The target population was split into three stratums and from each stratum, simple random sampling procedure was applied to arrive at the final sample. The research information was collected using questionnaires, interviews, observation and secondary data. The study used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyze quantitative data while the qualitative data was thematically analyzed. The findings of the study indicated that various peace building strategies were used. The findings point to the need for organizations to use diverse peace building strategies that endear to all population groups.

Browsing by Author "Tuikong, Sylvia"

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