Prevalence, Associated Social Factors, and Interventions of Conduct Disorder among Adolescents in Selected Charitable Institutions in Dagoretti South Constituency, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Conduct disorder (CD) is a disruptive behavioral-mental condition that is characterized by an aggressive, hostile, deceitful, and disobedient attitude. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, social factors, and interventions of CD among adolescents, with a focus on two selected charitable institutions in Dagoretti South Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was guided by four objectives: determine the prevalence of CD among adolescents living in selected charitable institutions; establish the association between social factors and CD; identify some indicators of CD among adolescents in charitable institutions; and assess key interventions employed by selected charitable institutions to respond to the problem of CD among adolescents. The study sample (n=174) was selected from a population of 348 boys and girls living in two charitable children’s institutions (Children’s Garden Home and Cheryl’s Children’s Home). The study used a correlational research design and a stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected using a social demographic questionnaire (SDQ), conduct disorder scale (CDS), and an interview schedule. It was then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26. Inferential statistics were used, in which Pearson’s Chi-square and paired T-tests were carried out. The overall prevalence rate of CD was 59.8%. Based on cluster symptoms of CD, deceitfulness and theft had the highest prevalence rate (62.7%). The study reported a significant statistical association between CD, experience of violence (p=.003), lack of basic needs (p<.001), and drug abuse (p=.007). As per the findings, the study recommended counseling services, personalized adult supervision, and creativity in handling adolescents in charitable institutions.