Prevalence and Correlation of Anxiety Disorders among Primary School Children in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was establish the prevalence of anxiety disorders among primary school going children in Nairobi, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive study design utilizing purposeful sampling frame. The sample size of 224 was drawn from classes 3 to 7 at Our Lady Queen of Peace and Amani Primary Schools. Data was collected using a self-administered Socio-demographic and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) – Child Version. Findings showed the prevalence of anxiety disorders was extremely high (80.8%) and were comorbid as is shown by positive correlation coefficient (r) p< 0.001 between the types of anxiety disorders. For specific anxiety disorders prevalence were: 66.5% had panic disorder, 56.3% generalized anxiety disorder, 81.7% separation anxiety disorder, 61.2% social anxiety disorder and 30.4% significant school avoidance. This study therefore shows that children’s mental health in an African cultural and environmental context wanting. These study findings can go a long way in helping the authorities concerned with health services to appreciate the need for a concerted effort in the formulation of policies and the need to provide resources to enhance mental health services in children attending primary school.