The Prevalance Of Depressive Symptoms And Suicidality And Their Role On Scholastic Achievement Among Students In Nairobi Public Day High Schools
Abstract
Contemporary studies on the relationship between depression and school performance reports
mixed findings. Unfortunately, Studies on this subject in Kenya are not available. Around
the time of the study, several cases of suicides among students were reported in the Kenyan
media which was attributed to poor performance in schools. A review of studies done in
Kenya on depression and suicidality shows that prevalence rates of depression symptoms
varies widely depending on sex and age and type of instrument used.
AIM: To establish the prevalence rates of depressive symptoms, suicidality and their
association to student's scholastic achievement in Nairobi public day high schools.
METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted in Nairobi public day high schools
(n=356) by using a Becks depression inventory, Becks suicidality scale, Becks hopelessness
scale which were self-administered.
RESULTS:36% of students had mild to severe depressive symptoms.20.2% (68) had suicidal
ideation, 14.1% had suicidal plans and 4.8% had attempted suicide.18.6% had mild to severe
hopelessness. Female gender p=O.049, not being close to father p=O.OOOI, difficulties in
doing homework p=O.023, getting into trouble with teachers p=O.005 and low self-esteem
p=O.OOOlwere statistically significantly associated to depressive symptoms. No correlations
was found between depressive symptoms and students mean grade both for term one
p=O.235and term two p=O.524.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study found no relationship between depressive
symptoms and objective measures of scholastic achievements.
Citation
Degree Of Masters Of Medicine In Psychiatry: University Of Nairobi.Publisher
University of Nairobi,