Association Between Major Life Events and Psychiatric Morbidity Among Adults Awaiting Discharge at Mathari Hospital

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown that an association actually exists between exposure to major life event and occurrence of a mental disorder. Although major life events have been associated with a range of mental health problems, there still exists scarcity of information on the relationship between major life events and psychiatric morbidity more so from developing countries, Kenya included. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between major life events and psychiatric morbidities among patients admitted at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital. Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Method: A total number of 285 respondents awaiting discharge were randomly recruited into the study. The tools used were: (i) Socio-demographic questionnaire, (ii) Social Readjustment Rating Scale for assessing the presence of major life events and lastly (iii) M.I.N.I Plus to confirm diagnosis of psychiatric disorder(s). Data were analyzed using R, with descriptive analysis done using frequencies, percentages, and median. Prevalence rates of major life events and psychiatric disorders were presented using percentages together with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Associations between psychiatric disorders and major events were modelled using multivariable logistic regression.