Anxiety And Depression Among Adolescents In Orphanages In Dagoretti South Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya: A Case Of Cheryl’s Children’s Home

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined anxiety and depression among adolescents in orphanages, with a focus on Cheryl’s Children’s Home in Dagoretti South Sub-County, Nairobi County. The study was guided by four objectives: investigate socio-demographic characteristics, assess prevalence of anxiety and depression, establish comorbidity of depression and anxiety, and assess socio-demographic factors associated with anxiety and depression among adolescents in Cheryl’s Children’s Home. Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development and attachment theory anchored the study. The study assessed the prevalence, comorbidities, and common causes of anxiety and depression through a descriptive case study research design using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), and a researcher-developed socio-demographic questionnaire, all self-administered. The target population comprised all the children in classes 6, 7, and 8 aged 10-17 years. The study employed a census survey method. Sixty-four respondents were involved in the study. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23, to generate univariate and bivariate statistics, utilizing descriptive and Chi-square analytical tests respectively. Sixty-five point six of the respondents were aged 13-15 years and a majority had both parents alive. Results indicated a high prevalence rate of anxiety disorders (82.8%) and that all the children had depression (severe depression 81.75%, moderate depression, 18.25%). The comorbidity rates of anxiety and depression were equally high (82.8%) and homotypic comorbidity was 95.3%, with only 4.7% of respondents having one anxiety subtype. Children with both parents displayed worse outcomes compared to those who were either half or fully orphaned. More research is needed to explain the apparent heightened vulnerability of children in orphanages who live with their parents.