Duration of experience of war and how it relates to stress levels among Somali Refugee Women living in Eastleigh Starehe Sub-County

Abstract

The study focused on how the duration of experience of war relates to stress levels among Somali refugee women living in Eastleigh Starehe Sub-County. The specific objectives were to determine whether the duration of experience of war relates to stress levels among Somali refugee women living in Eastleigh, to identify the levels of stress among Somali refugee women living in Eastleigh and to determine the type of coping mechanism used by the Somali refugee women living in Eastleigh to cope with stress. It sampled 129 respondents randomly picked from Somali refugee women who were beneficiaries from five refugee agencies. For data collection a questionnaire was used. Analysis of data was done by adopting descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression. The researcher established that, duration of experience of war relates to stress levels among Somali refugee women living. Those who experienced war for long are faced with higher stress levels. The outcomes showed that many of the Somali refugee women were stressed. This was as a result of war in their country and from their encounters during their journey while fleeing to Kenya. The host community also stressed them and the stress from re-integrating with the host community. The study revealed that there were various types of coping mechanism used by the Somali refugee women to cope with stress. A great number act calm and normal when while some felt emotionally and physically drained. A large number know how to manage stress while a great number do not quickly find solution when stressed. The study concludes that the duration of experience of war relates to stress levels among Somali refugee women living. Those who experienced war for long are faced with higher stress levels. This study recommends that there should be intense counselling programs with psycho trauma informed at each refugee agency. UNHCR should source for more aid to support refugees. Better refugee policies to be incorporated in the Kenyan laws. The women refugees can be trained on how to cope with stress. This can be done through the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Gender and Sports by having them attend workshops and seminars within the sub county.