Mwatha, Dorothy2025-01-272025-01-272024Mwatha, D. (2024). Association between Social Exclusion and Major Depressive Disorder among The Elderly in Itabua Location, Embu County Kenya. Daystar University, School of Applied Human Scienceshttps://repository.daystar.ac.ke/handle/123456789/6162MASTERS in Clinical PsychologyThis research sought to determine whether social exclusion increases the prevalence of MDD among older adults in Itabua location in the Embu West sub-county in Embu County of Kenya. The study design adopted a qualitative and quantitative aspects, with the objectives of identifying the prevalence of exclusion, comparing the levels of MDD, identifying factors that lead to social exclusion and MDD, and examining the elderly persons' coping strategies. This research employed questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and structured psychometric tests to gather data from the respondents who are older people 70 years and above. The results extend the knowledge of the association between social exclusion and MDD in older people and contribute to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies and recommendations for improving their quality of life. Some of the familiar terms include social isolation, Major Depressive Disorder, elderly, mental health, and social marginalization. The study established social exclusion rate and major depressive disorder among elderly people in Itabua Location whereby, 59% of the participants had exhibited moderate to high social exclusion. Interestingly, 50.3% of all the participants screened for depression, scored mild, moderate or severe for symptoms of depression. It emerged from the qualitative data that economy related issues, lack of family support and health were predictors of social exclusion as well as depression. The study recommends establishing culturally appropriate solutions for combating social isolation and mental health disorders among the aging population such as better mental health care access, financial assistance for elderly citizens and community reintegration projects.enSocial exclusionMajor Depressive DisorderElderly persons' coping strategiesThesis