ESTABLISH THE PREVALENCE OF CLINICAL DEPRESSION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN MURANG’A EAST SUB-COUNTY IN KENYA.

Abstract

Prevalence of clinical depression among adolescents varies across geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic contexts. According to the World Health Organization, depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, including among school-going adolescents. This study sought to determine the prevalence of clinical depression among secondary school adolescents in Murang’a East Sub-County, Kenya. A cross-sectional correlational research design was employed, targeting 369 students aged 14–18 years from three purposively selected mixed-gender schools (rural, peri-urban, and urban). Of the 369 sampled students, 363 successfully completed the questionnaires. Participants were stratified by class levels (form two and three), and by gender within each stratum. Stratified simple random sampling was applied within each stratum to ensure gender proportionality. Data was collected using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), which classifies depressive symptoms into subthreshold, mild, moderate, and severe categories. 31.4% had subthreshold depression, 21.2% mild, 28.7% moderate, and 18.7% severe depression. Subthreshold depression emerged as the most prevalent, indicating significant emotional distress even among those not meeting the clinical threshold. Moderate and severe depression, accounting for nearly half the sample, signaled an urgent need for mental health intervention, that if undressed can potentially impact academic performance, and overall well-being. High prevalence of clinical depression among adolescents in Murang’a East Sub-County underscore the necessity for a comprehensive tiered mental health support system in schools, that includes preventive measures such as, creating awareness, early screening and psychoeducation, to professional interventions for those with acute symptoms. Schools are uniquely positioned as frontline institutions for identifying and addressing adolescent mental health challenges, hence the need to be strengthened to enhance this role.