Assessment of Depression and Anxiety Disorder Severity among Persons with Disability in Formal Employment: Case of Safaricom PLC, Kenya

Abstract

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are disproportionately vulnerable to mental health disorders, yet limited research exists on the severity of depression and anxiety among those in formal employment. This study investigated the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms, relationship between their sociodemographic, as well as the coping mechanisms employed by PWDs working in Safaricom PLC’s four call centers in Kenya. Harry Stack Sullivan’s Interpersonal Theory, Michael Oliver’s Social Model of Disability, and the Capability Theory by Sen and Nussbaum guided the research. Using descriptive cross-sectional design and census sampling, the study targeted 90 PWDs who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic items, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). Findings revealed a significant mental health burden: 50% of respondents exhibited clinical anxiety, with 31.6% experiencing severe symptoms. Additionally, 35.5% reported moderate to severe depression. A strong correlation between depression and anxiety (r = .674, p < .001) indicated high comorbidity. Socio-demographic factors showed minimal association with mental health outcomes, suggesting workplace stressors as universal contributors. Coping strategies, adaptive, workplace-focused, and maladaptive, were all employed to a statistically significant extent. An “intervention gap” was identified, where individuals with mild-to-moderate symptoms disengaged from formal support systems until symptoms became severe. The study concludes that PWDs at Safaricom PLC face a pronounced mental health crisis marked by high anxiety prevalence and comorbid depression. Recommendations include implementing routine mental health screenings, enhancing stigma-free access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and developing targeted interventions for high-risk groups.