Depression among Orphaned Adolescents in Selected Children’s Homes in Githurai Division, Nairobi County

Abstract

This study sought to investigate depression among orphaned adolescents in selected children’s homes in Githurai Division, Nairobi County, Kenya. The objectives were to explore the prevalence of depression among orphaned adolescents, determine factors contributing the depression, examine coping mechanisms adopted by orphaned adolescents, explore ways of helping orphaned adolescents who are depressed in the selected children’s homes in Githurai Division. The study population comprised orphaned adolescents (13-19 years old) in the ten selected children’s homes in Githurai Division. A sample of 81 orphaned adolescents was selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was done using questionnaires and in-depth interview and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and was presented in form of statistical tables, charts, and graphs. The study established that 23.5% of all the orphaned adolescents aged between 13-19 years in the selected children’s homes met the criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD). The study found that a major factor contributing to depression among orphaned adolescents include separation from family and close relationships at 63.2% The study also found that coping mechanisms adopted by orphaned adolescents to deal with the death of their parents include remaining hopeful for a bright future. Some of the orphaned adolescents coped by taking alcohol, beating other children and smoking of cigarettes, bang, among other drugs. The study revealed that the most important way of helping orphaned adolescents who are depressed is through provision of basic needs. The study recommended that community awareness programs should be conducted. Further, orphaned adolescents in children’s homes should be trained on important life skills like interpersonal skills, social skills, problem solving skills, leadership skills and communication skills.