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Item Influence of Age and Gender on Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior among Mental Patients in Nyeri County: A Survey of Nyeri County Referral Hospital(African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 2021-01) Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari; Rono, C. Ruthie; Kihara, MichealIn a given year, around one in five people over the age of 18, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. According toWorld Health Organization (WHO) this condition interferes with their functionality and thus impacting their productivity in society. Considering the role played by the adult population in community development,this papersought to establish how their functionality has lagged behind due to the mental health of this category of people in Nyeri County. The study, therefore, sought to establish the effects of age as well as gender on the mental wellbeing and help-hunting conduct of adults attending Nyeri County Referral Hospital. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design targeting the adult population. A sample size of 200respondents was purposively selected andfrom whom data was collected using a General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ) guide. The collected data was then descriptively analyzed and presented in structure of percentages, frequencies, and mean together with standard deviation. To find relationships for testing the hypothesis, chi-square tests were employed. Chi-square outcomes displayed a significant relationship [χ2(21) = 56.976, p= 0.000, v= 0.549] between age and seeking mental health help from a friend. Similarly, there was a significant relationship [χ2(21) = 37.530, p=0.015, v= 0.442] between age and seeking mental health help from relatives or family members. There was a significant relationship (χ2(3) = 10.368, p= 0.016, v= 0.234) between gender and seeking mental health help from parent. Age was found to have a greater influence on mental health seeking behavior in the County as compared with gender.Item Mental Disorders and Help-Seeking Behavior among Adults Attending Nyeri County Referral Hospital, Kenya(African Journal of Education,Science and Technology, 2021-05) Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari; RonoC. Ruthie; Kihara, MichealMental illness has become a growing concern of public health which based on World Health Organization has affected roughly500 million persons across the globe. What is more worrying however is that due to high level of stigmatization in society there has not been timely response and decisiveness on the part of patientsor caregivers on seeking help. This has in turn increasedthe disease burden since it is relatively less understood. While most studies have attributed low uptake of mental health services to help-seeking manners of persons having mental infection, it does not go without mention that there is little on record ofhow the disease has affected the lives of many in Kenya.This study with particular interest in Nyeri County investigated the prevalence of mental disorders based on various socio-demographic characteristics of adult patients attending Nyeri County Referral Hospital. The paper further conducted an assessment of the help-seeking behaviour among patients. The study was anchored in the health belief model and employed a cross-sectional survey design. The study targeted Adults attending Nyeri County ReferralHospital from which a sample of 200 respondents were purposeful selected. Questionnaire guide was used to collect data which was later analysed descriptively. The study established that women were more affected than menand that seeking help was intentional among the patients despite the fact that some respondents could not seek help for fear of intimidation or lack of trust in the system. Nonetheless, most (79%) respondents had intentions of seekingmental health help infuture even though they did not know where to get the help from. The study recommends that public health officials should diversify the channels of health messages on mental health services to reach majority of peopleItem Relationship between Psychological Job Demand and the Subjective Well-being among Teachers in Public Secondary Schools in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024-09) Omariba, Jackline mokeira; Egunjobi, Joyzy Pius; Gichimu, Elizabeth WangariThe study investigated the relationship between psychological job demand and the subjective well-being among teachers in Kisii central sub-county, Kenya. The study was grounded on the self-determination theory of motivation and the demand-control-support theories, it adopted a correlational research design. A total sample of 194 participants was selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. quantitative data were collected using the 17-item demand-control-support questionnaire and a 24-subjective well-being questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study established a weak positive relationship between psychological job demands and subjective well-being. This suggests that as psychological job demand increases, subjective well-being also tends to increase slightly. The positive correlation psychological aspect may indicate that individuals who thrive under pressure or find fulfillment in challenging work environments might report higher subjective well-being. The study impliesthe need to increase teamwork in the working environment in schools to continue fostering the subjective well-being of teachers. The study recommends a suitable teacherto-student ratio, to reduce the demand strain and hence increase the subjective well-being of teachersItem Genocide against the Tutsi Experiences among Priests in Rwanda(International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024-05) Habimana, Paulin; Egunjobi, Joyzy Pius; Gichimu, Elizabeth WangariThe genocide of 1994 in Rwanda had profound and devastating effects on various sectors of society, including religious institutions. This paper explores the experiences of priests during the genocide against the Tutsi, examining their roles, challenges, and coping mechanisms. Through a literature review of scholarly articles, books, and reports, this paper seeks to shed light on the unique perspective of priests amidst the genocide, their moral dilemmas, and the psychological impact of witnessing and experiencing mass violence. From the analysis, physical experience had a positive correlation with psycho-spiritual wellbeing of the priests in the selected catholic dioceses in Rwanda (r=.170, p=0.031). Emotional experience was found to have a negative but significant correlation with emotional wellbeing (r=-.248, p=.001). Economic experience had a positive and insignificant correlation with psycho-spiritual wellbeing of the priests in the selected catholic dioceses in Rwanda (r=.045, p=.569). By understanding the experiences of priests, we can gain insights into the complexities of religious experiences in times of conflict and genocide, as well as the broader social and psychological implications.Item Possible Ways of Enhancing Emotional Intelligence Among Women Religious in Country A(International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024-05) Udechukwu, Perpetua Ukamaka; Ehusani, Richard; Gichimu, Elizabeth WangariWomen religious devote themselves to a life of spiritual dedication, service, and communal living, actively engaging in ministry and evangelization. To effectively fulfill their roles, they require strong emotional capabilities to creatively navigate the challenges they may encounter. Researchers from various academic disciplines have extensively studied emotional intelligence and have found it to be linked with numerous aspects of both intrapersonal and interpersonal life. This study, explores strategies for enhancing the emotional intelligence of Women Religious in Country A, recognizing its significance in personal and professional development. A qualitative method was employed, which included conducting semi-structured interviews with eight participants selected through purposive sampling. Thematic content analysis was utilized to analyze the collected data, revealing avenues for improving emotional intelligence among women religious in Country A. These avenues include fostering self-awareness and self-acceptance, promoting healthy community living, incorporating reflective practices and meditation, providing ongoing formation through workshops, and learning opportunities, implementing dynamic interpersonal strategies and feedback mechanisms, acknowledging the positive influences of family, environment, and education, and recognizing the importance of subjective interpretation and choice. Based on these findings, recommendations were formulated, including suggestions for future research.Item Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Wellbeing among Women Religious in Nigeria(International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024-04) Udechukwu, Perpetua Ukamaka; Ehusani, Richard; Gichimu, Elizabeth WangariWomen Religious are called to bear effective witness to the gospel in their religious vocation. However, some of them seem unable to manage their emotions andthe emotions of others, thereby hindering their ability to effectively live out their religious calling. Consequently, this study examined the Relationship betweenEmotional Intelligence and Psychological Wellbeing among Women Religious in Nigeria. The study was guided by Goleman’s theory of Emotional Intelligenceand Ryff's theory of Psychological Wellbeing using a quantitative approach via a correlational research design. The population was 5,971 and the sample size was375 selected using a proportionate stratified random sampling. The participants’ emotional intelligence was assessed using the Quick Emotional Intelligence Self- Assessment tool, while their psychological wellbeing was measured using the Carol Ryff Scale of Psychological Wellbeing. Pearson’s correlation test wasperformed to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological wellbeing among the participants. The results showed a statisticallysignificant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological wellbeing among Women Religious in Nigeria (r = 0.348, p <0.01). Recommendations based on the findings were made, including suggestions for future research.Item Regulating Community Wellbeing through Traditional Mourning Tituals: Insights from the Luhya People of Kenya(Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, 2025) Asatsa, Stephen; Sheina, Lew Levy; Mbugua, Stephen Ngaari; Ntaragwe, Maria; Shanyisa, Wilkister; Omuchesi, Jonathan; Gichimu, Elizabeth Wangari; Nambiri, JaneBackground and objectives: Rituals have been reported to serve as a vital mechanism for expressing grief and fostering communal support worldwide. Despite these benefts, use of rituals in Indigenous communities is threatened by missionization, globalization, and westernization. This study sought to examine the relevance of traditional mourning rituals in community morality and well-being. Anchored in cultural evolutionary theory, the study employed an ethnographic research design. Methodology: Data were collected from 45 community elders, 30 bereaved adults, 30 bereaved adolescents, and 8 religious leaders through focus group discussions and interviews. Results: The study established fve mourning rituals practiced by the Luhya people, each potentially serving an evolutionary function for community survival and well-being. Our fndings show that Luhya traditional mourning rituals play an important role in community well-being, though not all members may beneft equally from these efects. Conclusions and implications: The study established confict over rituals with difering viewpoints from religious leaders, cultural leaders, and the western biomedical approach to mental well-being. Yet, the bereaved reported that both Luhya and religious rituals helped them process their grief. To address mental health issues fully, it is important to establish collaboration between western models, religious approaches, and cultural approaches. Lay Summary Rituals are important practices that help people express their grief and provide support within communities around the world yet in most indigenous communities across the world, yet these rituals are being replaced by western biomedical approaches. This study focused on the signifcance of traditional mourning rituals among the Luhya people of Kenya and how these practices contribute to community morality and well-being. The study interviewed community elders, bereaved adults and adolescents, and religious leaders. The fndings revealed that traditional rituals are crucial for the community's health, although not all members experience the same benefts. There were difering opinions about the rituals from religious leaders, cultural leaders, and those who follow western medicalapproaches to mental health. Despite these conficts, many bereaved individuals reported that both Luhya and religious rituals helped them cope with their grief. To efectively address mental health issues, the study suggests a need for collaboration between western mental health models, religious practices, and cultural traditions. This approach could create a more comprehensive support system for those experiencing loss.Item Prayer Addiction and Psycho-Spiritual Wellbeing among the Selected Female Religious Congregation in Nigeria(International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024) Onyekwelu, Sylvania; Egunjobi, Joyzy Pius; Gichimu, Elizabeth WangariThis study investigates the possible relationship between prayer addiction and psycho-spiritual well-being among the selected female religious congregation in Nigeria. George Engels's biopsychosocial-spiritual theory guides this study. The study employed an embedded mixed-method research design. The quantitative data was collected using the Prayer Attitude and Addiction Test and the Psycho-Spiritual Wellbeing Scale, and was analyzed with descriptive tools and inferential statistics (Pearson Correlation) using Statistical Package for the Social Science using the Statistical Package for the Social Science. The census method was used, involving 325 participants. The key findings from the quantitative study revealed that (1) 1 in every 12 female religious is addicted to prayer, (2) the majority of the female religious exhibit a high level of psycho-spiritual wellbeing, (3) there exists a very weak positive but non-significant correlation (r = 0.051, p = 0.443) between prayer addiction and psycho-spiritual well-being. However, there is a strong significant correlation between prayer attitude and prayer addiction r(228) = .181, p = .006 two-tailed; and prayer attitude and psycho-spiritual wellbeing r(228) = .300, p = .000 two-tailed. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect qualitative data from nine sisters selected purposively and presented with narrative analysis. The narrative accounts highlighted a shallow understanding of prayer addiction, with a predominant rejection of excessive or compulsive prayer practices among the sisters and emphasizing a balanced and integrated approach to prayer. The study concludes that while prayer is a lifestyle of the female religious, there is an 8% likelihood of slipping into prayer addiction, which may affect other areas of their lives. Notwithstanding, their high positive attitude to prayers equally boosts their psycho-spiritual wellbeing. Also, their prayer attitude does not typically cause psycho-spiritual consequences. The preventative measures against prayer addiction proposed by the participants include spiritual formation, spiritual direction, counselling, community support, and heritage.Item Psycho-Spiritual Wellbeing among Priests after Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda(International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024-08) Habimana, Paulin; Egunjobi, Joyzy Pius; Gichimu, Elizabeth WangariThe genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which occurred in 1994, had profound and enduring effects on the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests, who witnessed unimaginable atrocities and faced complex challenges in the aftermath of mass violence. This study explores the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests in postgenocide Rwanda, focusing on the lingering effects of trauma, the challenges of reconciliation and forgiveness, and the role of faith in healing and rebuilding communities. Drawing on a review of the literature, including studies on trauma, resilience, pastoral challenges, and supportive interventions, this research examines the unique factors shaping the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests in the aftermath of genocide. From the regression analysis, the genocide against Tutsi experience explained 14.6% of the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of the priests in the catholic dioceses in Rwanda. The genocide against Tutsi experiences had a positive and significant effect on the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests in the selected Catholic Dioceses of Rwanda (p=0.00). From the coefficients table, physical experience and psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests had strong positive and significant (b=.649, p=.004<0.05). Emotional experience and psycho-spiritual wellbeing had a strong negative but significant effect on the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests (b=-1.347, p=.000<0.05). Economic experience and psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priests had a positive but insignificant correlation (b=.312, p=.339>0.05). Key themes include the profound trauma experienced by Rwandan clergy, the complexities of providing spiritual leadership in communities deeply scarred by violence, and the role of faith and spirituality in coping with suffering and fostering healing. The study underscores the importance of holistic approaches to supporting the wellbeing of priests, including trauma healing programs, pastoral training, and psychosocial support services. By shedding light on the experiences of priests in post-genocide contexts, this research informs efforts to promote their healing, resilience, and effectiveness in ministry, contributing to a deeper understanding of the psycho-spiritual dimensions of clergy wellbeing in the wake of mass violence. The study recommended that there is need for the Church administration to ensure that resources are readily available to support the psycho-spiritual wellbeing of priestsItem Gender and Risk-Taking Behaviors: The ‘Generation Z’ College Risk-Taker in a Kenyan University.(African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2024) Karinge, Caroline Mwendwa; Matthews, Douglas; Mucherah, WinnieEnrolment in African institutions of higher learning has doubled in the last 20 years yet there is limited evaluation of risk-taking behaviors in this growing student population. Although there are many components to risk-taking behaviors, externalizing risk-taking behaviors like binge drinking, high-risk sexual behaviors and problem gambling as well as internalizing risktaking behaviors like suicidality are among the top ten causes of death and disabilities impacting university students. Moreover, there is rising global concern about increasing participation in risk-taking behaviors among university students. However, focus generally remains on evaluating single, traditional risk-taking behaviors with little done to evaluate if multiple risk-taking behaviors occur in the same individuals. This study sought to determine the prevalence of traditional and “novel” risk-taking behaviors among female and male students in a university in Kenya. Data from 297 undergraduate students was collected using a sociodemographic and socio-behavioral questionnaire and the DSM-IV Screen for Gambling (NODS-CLiP). Descriptive analyses showed that 61.3% of the students in the sample had engaged in risk-taking behaviors with 26.9% of them involved in multiple risk-taking behaviors. Chi-square tests of independence, at 95% confidence level, showed that male students were more likely to participate in high-risk sexual behaviors and problem gambling while female students were more likely to report suicidality. There was no significant gender difference in binge drinking or participation in multiple risk-taking behaviors. These findings underscore the need for gender specific mitigation programs, targeting multiple risk-taking behaviors, within institutions of higher learning in Kenya.Item Alcohol use dynamics and mitigation among adolescents in rural Kenya(Asian Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 2019) Waithima, Charity Wangui; Wahome, LilianAlcohol use has remained a critical problem among adolescents in Kenya. The use is conceptualized as a behavior which results from the interplay between the social-economic environment and personal factors. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence, predictors and alleviation of alcohol use among adolescents in rural Nyeri, Kenya. The study was a quasi-experimental quantitative study in which purposive and simple random sampling were used to select participants (n=1038) from eight county administrative units. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect data at baseline and endline after six months. Descriptive statistics were applied to summarize categorical and continuous variables while Odds Ratio (OR)and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) brought out the estimated strength of association between independent and the dependent variables.Effectiveness of the mitigation strategy applied was assessed after six months with reference to the baseline. 48.6% of the participants indicated having used alcohol in their lifetime, with 34.7% reporting alcohol consumption in the last one month. Seven independent predictors of alcohol use among the participantswere identified using binary logistic regression at P<0.05. Application of five life skillshad significant protective effect on alcohol use (OR=0.36; 95% CI: 0.26 –0.48; p=0.001) whereby a student enrolled in the experimental group was 64% less likely to use alcohol compared to one in the control group. Life skills were therefore found to be effective in empowering adolescents to develop safe and healthy behavior with regard to alcohol use reductionItem Effects of Changes in Use of Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Land Cover in Teso Busia County, Kenya.(African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2018) Ayaa, Dominics Dan; Kipterer, Kapoi JohnThis paper introduces indigenous land knowledge conservation systems as a significant resource which would contribute to the increased efficiency and effectiveness in the management of land and land based resources among rural communities. Despite their critical role in the conservation of the land based resources, these knowledge systems and technologies are being marginalized or even forgotten among rural communities. This paper discusses Teso community indigenous land conservation systems and the effects of their level of application/adoption on land use/land cover status trends from the time of Kenya’s pre-independence to the 2000s era. Data was collected using a variety of social science research methods such as structured questionnaires, in-depth face-to-face interviews, focussed group discussions, content analysis of literature and environmental check lists. The status of the bio-physical environment was tracked using GIS techniques. The common Teso community indigenous land conservation systems included mixed farming, traditional terracing, use of grass-strips, agro-forestry and fallowing. Results showed that adherence to the key Teso community indigenous land management systems have been on the decline since the 1960s. This has negatively impacted on the state of the biophysical environment by increasing land area under rain-fed agriculture by 11.2% and a decline in land under seasonal swamps by 21% between 1973 and 2010. Land size under wetlands dropped by about 33% between 1973 and 2000. These changes were indicative of the negative impact of the decline in level of application of indigenous land conservation systems in the protection and conservation of these resources.. In view of the above, it is recommended that rekindling, recording and preservation of indigenous land-based best practices among local communities such as the Teso for sustainable land management must be integrated into conventional environmental management plans.Item Transforming Career Stories Through Poetry: A Group-Based Career Counselling Intervention(British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 2020) Wafula, EstherContemplating the school to work transition in the insecure and unpredictable twenty-first century world of work can be anxiety inducing for college students. Consequently, college students may develop disempowered career stories in which they feel ill prepared to explore career prospects or engage with the world of work. This paper describes a career counselling intervention aimed at transforming the disempowered career stories of college students into more empowered versions. Grounded in career construction theory and designed as a group modality, the intervention employs poetry therapy to enhance the development of internally defined and motivated career stories among the group participants. Although this paper highlights the Kenyan context, the intervention itself can easily be adapted to other contextsItem Parental Response to Perinatal Loss: Psychological Effects, Coping Strategies and Cultural Influences(International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Topics, 2024-04) Onyuka, Linda; Nganga, Lydia; Opiyo, Linda; Ndiangui, PriscillahPerinatal loss (PNL) causes profound grief to parents. In more than half the cases of PNL, parents go on to experience complicated grief. This persists longer than ordinary grief and is characterized by depressive symptoms, anxiety as well as symptoms of trauma. The aim of the study is to add insight on the profound effects of PNL on parental wellbeing, by shedding light on how grief and emotional struggles interact with cultural beliefs and practices when parents experience PNL. This research also aims to highlight the need for culturally sensitive emotional psychotherapeutic support, to ease the grieving process, promote healing and encourage resilience in the face of PNL. Through a review of existing literature this study examines the psychological effects of PNL on parents and the various coping strategies they use to overcome the effects of the loss. It also looks into select cultural beliefs and practices related to PNL, and their influence on the experience and coping strategies parents use to cope with PNL. This study emphasizes the importance of providing emotional support to parents experiencing PNL. Additionally, it recommends that those that provide such support be culturally sensitive and aware, educating themselves on the cultural underpinnings of the PNL experience for the family, in order to provide appropriate and effective care to each family that experiences PNLItem Prevalence of Bullying in Public Secondary Schools: A Case of Selected Schools in Machakos County, Kenya(The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, 2023-10) Kithuka, Elizabeth Mukai; Menecha, Jared BravinThis study sought to assess the prevalence of bullying in selected public secondary schools in Machakos sub-county, Machakos County. The objectives of the study were: • To determine the various forms of bullying behavior that are experienced among students, • To establish the relationship between the gender of students and forms of bullying, • To examine the prevalence of bullying and • To examine risk factors contributing to bullying. The researcher employed a descriptive research design. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling were used to select 280 respondents. The study used both open and closed-ended questionnaires to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics to describe quantitative data, which were then analyzed, interpreted, and presented in the form of tables and figures. The study revealed that bullying existed in Machakos County more in boys' schools than girls' schools and forms of bullying varied with gender. Boys suffered more physical and cyberbullying, while girls suffered more sexual and verbal bullying activities. School environment and academic performance were leading as risky factors of involvement in bullying. The study concluded that the prevalence of bullying exists in Machakos County and recommended seeking strategies for curbing it.Item Gender- Responsive Strategies To Improve The Contribution Of International Non-Governmental Organizations To Women Socio- Economic Empowerment Makueni County, Kenya(IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 2023-07) Kithuka, Elizabeth Mukai; Okemwa, P; Wanjama, LThis Study Sought To Assess Gender Responsive Strategies Used By International Non-GovernmentalOrganizations Development Programmes On The Social And Economic Lives Of The Rural Women InMakueni County. The Study Employed Mixed Approach ( Qualitative And Quantitative) And Descriptive Research Design In Data Collection. The Study Targeted Women Beneficiaries In Self Help Groups (Shgs)Of World Vision And Action Aid And Key Informants Such As Project And Government Officials In MakueniCounty. The Research Sample Size Was Selected Using Various Sampling Techniques Which Included Multistage, Purposive, Snowball And Random Sampling. Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion (FGD)Guides And Interview Schedules Were Used To Collect Data. Descriptive Statistics And Chi Square TestsWere Done Using Statistical Package For Social Sciences Software. The Study Revealed The Following Strategies Which Can Be Used By The Ingos To Improve Women Socio Economic Empowerment; AwarenessOn Women Rights And Gender Equality Capacity Building Among Women Entrepreneurs, Address SexualGender Based Violence, Introduce Different Types Of Collateral In Addition To Household Assets. The StudyConcluded That For Women To Be Empowered Socio Economically, The Ingos Needs To Employ TheAbove Strategies During The Implementation Of Their Development Programmes Starting WithAwareness On Women Rights And Gender Equality.Item Bullying and Risk Factors of Involvement in Public Secondary Schools. A Case of Selected Schools in Machakos County, Kenya.(International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), 2024-03) Kithuka, Elizabeth MukaiBullying in schools is a global problem that has short- and long-term negative health consequences on boththe bullies and victims. A report by the National Center for Educational Statistics (2019) shows that one outof every five (20.2%) students report being bullied. Many studies have focused on causes and effects ofbullying but not on risk factors contributing to bullying.This has long term physical, psychological andacademic negative impact among students. The study tries to assess the risk factors of bullying in publicsecondary schools in Machakos sub county and is guided by research objective; to examine risk factors contributing to bullying in selected public secondary schools in Machakos schools in Machakos County.Theresearcher employed descriptive research design, purposive sampling and simple random sampling with asample size of 280 respondents. The study used both open and closed ended questionnaires to collect datawhich was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics todescribe quantitative data which were then analyzed, interpreted, and presented in form of tables andfigures. The risk factors of involvement included socio -economic status of the family, academic performance, parental status, family size and school environment. The study concluded that Socialeconomic status of the parents which included their state of income or financial stability was the leading riskfactor of involvement followed by poor academic performance and the least factor was the schoolenvironment.Item Forms of Bullying Prevalent in Public Secondary Schools: A Case of Selected Schools in Machakos County, Kenya.(International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), 2024-07) Kithuka, Elizabeth MukaiBullying in schools is a global problem that has short- and long-term negative health consequences on boththe bullies and victims. A report by the National Center for Educational Statistics (2019) shows that one outof every five (20.2%) students report being bullied. This has long term physical, psychological and academic negative impact among students. The researcher sought to assess the prevalence of forms ofbullying in public secondary schools in Machakos sub county, Machakos County. The researcher employeddescriptive research design. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling were used to select 280 respondents. The study used both open and closed ended questionnaires to collect data. Data was analyzedusing SPSS version 23.0. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics to describe quantitativedata which were then analyzed, interpreted, and presented in form of tables and figures. The study established that about 71.5% of students participated in bullying and among the different forms of bullyingverbal (38.9%) was leading followed by psychological (21.7%), sexual physical (15.3%) and cyber bullying(11.2%). The study revealed that boys suffered more physical and cyber bullying while girls suffered moreof sexual and verbal bullying activities. The study concluded that four forms of bullying are prevalent inMachakos County and that there is need to seek solutions in order to curb it downItem Assessing International Non-Governmental Organizations’ Development Programs and Climate Change Adaptations in Empowering Women Socio-Economically in Makueni County, Kenya(The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, 2023-08) Kithuka, Elizabeth MukaiThis study highlighted the interrelationship between the types of programs provided by International NonGovernmental Organizations (INGOs)toempowerwomen socio-economically and climate change. Climate change isaccelerating very fast and affecting the more vulnerable women and girls. It is, therefore, important to ensure propermechanisms are put in place by development actors by providing the right programs that lead to climate resilience. Globally, many people who are affected by climate change risks are women and girls. Although there are many NonGovernmental efforts that have focused on different entry points to empower women, there is still more room to alignwomen's economic empowerment and climate change. It is, therefore, important to support women throughprograms with climate resilience programs for Sustainable Development. The research employed a mixed approach(qualitative and quantitative method) and descriptive research design in data collection. The study targeted womenbeneficiaries in Self Help Groups (SHGs) of World Vision and Action Aid programs and key informants such as projectand government officials in Makueni County. The study dealt with INGOs that had operated within the study area forthe last five years and above. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were done using Statistical Package for SocialSciences software. The study revealed that the main programs included education and training, water and sanitation, disaster risk reduction management, support programs for HIV/AIDs, women and girls rights, leadership and governance, Cash for Assets and Food for Assets. The study concluded that the provision of such programs with climate adaptation initiatives led to a positive impact on the socio-economic empowerment of women and each type of program had a specific contribution. The study concludes that proper programs have to be adapted accordingly in line with climate change for better climate justice for the empowerment of women.Item Classes of Psychotic Experiences in Kenyan Children and Adolescents(Child Psychiatry Hum Dev, 2013-06) Mamah, Daniel; Owoso, Akinkunle; Mbwayo, Anne W; Mutiso, Victoria N; Muriungi, Susan K.; Khasakhala, Lincoln I; Barch, Deanna M; Ndetei, David MPsychotic-like experiences (PLEs) have been observed worldwide in both adults and children outside the context of a clinical disorder. In the current study, we investigate the prevalence and patterns of PLEs among children and adolescents in Kenya. Among 1,971 students from primary and secondary schools around Nairobi (aged 8-19), 22.1 % reported a lifetime history of a psychotic experience, and 16.3 % reported this unrelated to sleep or drugs. Psychotic experiences were more common in males compared to females. LCA resulted in a three-class model comprised of a normative class (83.3 %), a predominately hallucinatory class (Type 1 psychosis: 9.6 %), and a pan-psychotic class (Type 2 psychosis: 7.2 %). These results indicate that PLEs are prevalent in children and adolescents, and the distributions of symptom clusters are similar to that found in adulthood. The relationship of specific PLEs to the future development of psychotic disorder, functional impairment or distress will require further study.