Assessment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Coping Strategies among Teenage Mothers in Mathare Slums, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of PTSD among teenage mothers in Mathare slums. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of PTSD among teenage mothers in Mathare slums, establish the coping strategies of teenage mothers, factors associated with PTSD among the teenage mothers and the relationship between the levels of PTSD and coping strategies of teenage mothers in Mathare slums. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. Data was collected from 384 teenage mothers out of which 271 questionnaires were duly filled. Data was collected using Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) inventory. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis and Chi-Square test. The study identified that there was a high prevalence (18%) of PTSD among teenage mothers. PTSD among teenage mothers was associated with age, education level, marital status, living status, and income level. Teenage mothers reported that they rely on both adaptive and maladaptive strategies to cope with PTSD. The adaptive coping strategies were however more common and effective as compared to the maladaptive strategies. The study recommended the need for the inclusion of mental health screening tools in the care and management of teenage mothers. The parents of teenagers were recommended to uphold a child-parent relationship that encompasses parental support, supervision, and advice to discourage them from engaging into sexual intercourse as a means of preventing teenage pregnancy.