Department of Nursing

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Browsing Department of Nursing by Author "Kiraithe Lucy Wanja"

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    Determinants of mental health status of primary care givers of children with mental disorders attending Chuka county referral hospital, Kenya
    (Chuka University, 2025) Kiraithe Lucy Wanja
    Primary caregivers play a crucial role in supporting children with mental disorders. Approximately 1 out 9 children with serious mental disorders have a significant degree of disability and this makes them very dependent on care givers to meet physical and emotional needs. Therefore, mental illness in children will affect primary caregiver personal, physical, mental, social, and financial life thus increasing the risk of psychological distress. This study aimed to assess the determinants of mental health status among primary caregivers of children with mental disorders attending Chuka County Referral Hospital. An analytical cross-sectional design was employed and 156 caregivers recruited through census sampling. Quantitive data was collected using questionnaires and qualitive data using key informant interview where 3 Health care workers were purposively sampled. Instruments were pretested at Embu Level 5 Hospital. Permit to collect data was sort from NASCOSTI, Chuka University and Chuka County Referral Hospital. Participation was voluntary, informed consent were signed, confidentiality was maintained throughout the process. Quantitative data obtained was edited, coded and analyzed using statistical package for social science version 23 computer software using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Chi square and regression were used to explore the association between individual/health facility related determinants of caregivers with mental health status at p < 0.05. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatims and analyzed thematically using NVivo 12. Results showed that 71% (n = 110) of caregivers experienced poor mental health, with stress (20.4%) being the most prevalent, followed by depression (17.2%) and anxiety (15.8%). On social demographic characteristics, there was significant associations between mental health status and age of caregiver (χ² = 25.05, p = 0.012) and caregiver child relationship (χ² = 13.66, p = 0.003). On individual related factors, source of income (χ² = 19.6, p < 0.001), financial ability (χ² = 38.0, p < 0.001), frequency of social gatherings (χ² = 31.9, p < 0.001), support group membership (χ² = 10.8, p = 0.001), caregiver knowledge (χ² = 28.4, p < 0.001) and stigma were positively correlated with poorer mental health outcomes (r = 0.46, p = 0.001). On health facility related determinants, staff attitude (χ² = 7.36, df = 2, p = 0.025), medication availability (χ² = 22.1, df = 3, p = 0.001), staff availability (χ² = 17.1, df = 2, p < 0.001), cost of care (χ² = 27, df = 3, p < 0.001) were significantly associated mental health status. Caregivers who reported high cost of care were 11.5 times more likely (AOR = 11.455, 95% CI: 3.607–36.372, p < 0.001) to develop poor mental health status. In summary age and relationship to the child were significantly associated with caregivers’ mental health status with young and the elderly caregivers demonstrating poor mental health status. Caregivers experienced significant emotional distress predominantly depression, anxiety, and stress. Individual determinants were, economic status, social network, stigma, and poor knowledge. Facility related determinants were high treatment costs, poor staff attitudes and shortage of medical drugs and medical staff. The study recommends integration of mental health services in primary health care services to make the services affordable and available, rolling out social support groups both in facilities and community. Further study on evaluating the effectiveness of psychological counselling services in improving care givers mental health status.