Effects of Epilepsy on Psychological Wellbeing of Young Adults at Youth oin The Move, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Epilepsy significantly impacts psychological wellbeing among young adults, yet research remains limited in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the effects of epilepsy on psychological wellbeing among young adults at Youth On The Move in Nairobi County, Kenya, focusing on mental health condition prevalence, home environment influence, and epilepsy-related stigma impact. Grounded in the biopsychosocial model, health belief model, and diathesis-stress theory, this descriptive quantitative study employed purposive sampling to recruit 34 young adults aged 18-34 years with confirmed epilepsy diagnoses who had participated in Youth On The Move programs within four years. Data collection utilized standardized instruments including the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), a researcher-developed Home Environment Questionnaire, and an Epilepsy Stigma Scale. Statistical analysis employed SPSS version 25, utilizing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and linear regression analysis. Findings revealed concerning mental health prevalence rates: depression (41.2%), anxiety (32.4%), and stress (41.2%) among participants. Strong positive correlations emerged between these conditions (r = .546 to .742), indicating significant psychological comorbidity. The home environment demonstrated moderate levels across four dimensions: family support, communication openness, financial stability, and caregiver burden. Communication openness strongly correlated with family support (r = .826, p < .001), while financial stability significantly correlated with caregiver burden (r = .560, p < .001). However, home environment variables showed no significant correlations with psychological distress outcomes. Contrary to existing literature, epilepsy- related stigma exhibited only weak, non-significant correlations with psychological outcomes (anxiety r = .285, depression r = .177, stress r = .090). Linear regression analysis confirmed stigma explained merely 12.7% of variance in psychological outcomes (R² = .127, p = .245), suggesting possible resilience development through Youth On The Move's community-based interventions. The study concludes that young adults with epilepsy face substantial mental health challenges requiring integrated care approaches. However, community-based support programs may buffer negative psychological impacts of stigma. These findings contribute valuable insights for healthcare practitioners, mental health professionals, and policymakers developing culturally appropriate interventions for young adults with epilepsy in Kenya and similar contexts.