Factors Associated with Elevated Depression Scores among Children and Adolescents: A Study of selected Children’s Homes in Kajiado County, Kenya
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Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Research
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of behavioural activation (BA)
in reducing depression symptoms. Depression is a common mental health problem
associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Children entering foster care have a
higher prevalence of clinically significant depression than children reared at home. This
study examined the factors associated with elevated depression scores among children
and adolescents in seven selected children’s homes in Kajiado County. A quasiexperimental
study was conducted with 186 participants aged 9-17 years. The
participants (male and female) with a mean age of 13 years were purposively sampled.
Data collection tools included Child Depression Inventory (CDI) for assessment of
depression and a demographic questionnaire to gather socio-demographic data. Logistic
regression revealed three predictors that were significantly associated with elevated CDI
scores, namely using Kiswahili as the primary language of communication, death of
father, and age/class. The study revealed that the overall level of depression was 18.6
(±5.6SD). Recommendations were made for routine and frequent mental check-ups to be
provided in those homes in an effort to help identify depression symptoms and intervene
appropriately and timely.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Depression, Children depression inventory, Predictors
Citation
Chege, M., Oladipo, R.., & Munene, A. (2017). Factors associated with elevated anxiety scores among children and adolescents: a study of selected children’s homes in Kajiado County, Kenya. International Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Research, 2(5), 3603-3614. www.ijsser.org ISSN: 2455-8834.