Effects of Social Challenges on the Psychological Health of Adolescents in Selected Orphanages of Dagoretti South Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of social challenges on psychological health of adolescents in selected orphanages of Dagoreti South Constituency in Nairobi County. The study was led by three objectives: identify social challenges faced by adolescents, establish the psychological health of adolescents, and finally assess the effects of social challenges on the psychological health (depression) of adolescents. The population of this study comprised adolescents aged 13-17 years residing in orphanages. A descriptive research design was employed to gather data. The research instruments used included questionnaires and child depression inventory. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Findings established neglect, abandonment, abuse and lack of social support as challenges faced by the respondents. The findings of the study established that abandonment and neglect had significant effect on depression severity on the respondents (t=-7.655, p=0.000) and (t=-7.507, p=0.000). Abuse had a medium effect on depression, chi- square test showed significant effect relationship between abuse and depression (t=-7.507, p=0.000). Lack of social support had a significant relationship with depression (p=0.000). The study concluded that social challenges affect psychological health of adolescents in orphanages. The study recommends the following; prevention and intervention efforts be put in place to protect and mitigate against abuse and neglect among orphans in orphanages, caregivers in the orphanages be well trained and be committed to the wellbeing of the orphans, and policy makers to ensure all orphanages have trained mental care workers.