Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic among Caregivers of Young Children in Kenya’s Urban Informal Settlements. A Cross-Sectional Telephone Survey

Vibian Angwenyi, Margaret Kabue, Esther Chongwo, Adam Mabrouk, Ezra Kipngetich Too, Rachel Odhiambo, Carophine Nasambu, Joyce Marangu, Derrick Ssewanyana, Eunice Njoroge, Eunice Ombech, Mercy Moraa Mokaya, Emmanuel Kepha Obulemire, Anil Khamis and Amina Abubakar
Additional contact information
Vibian Angwenyi: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Margaret Kabue: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Esther Chongwo: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Adam Mabrouk: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Ezra Kipngetich Too: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Rachel Odhiambo: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Carophine Nasambu: Neurosciences Group, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi P.O. Box 230-80108, Kenya
Joyce Marangu: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Derrick Ssewanyana: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Eunice Njoroge: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Eunice Ombech: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Mercy Moraa Mokaya: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Emmanuel Kepha Obulemire: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Anil Khamis: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya
Amina Abubakar: Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi P.O. Box 30270-00100, Kenya

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-18

Abstract: The emergence of COVID-19 has profoundly affected mental health, especially among highly vulnerable populations. This study describes mental health issues among caregivers of young children and pregnant women in three urban informal settlements in Kenya during the first pandemic year, and factors associated with poor mental health. A cross-sectional telephone survey was administered to 845 participants. Survey instruments included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, COVID-19 Anxiety Scale, and questions on the perceived COVID-19 effects on caregiver wellbeing and livelihood. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and univariate and multivariate analysis. Caregivers perceived COVID-19 as a threatening condition (94.54%), affecting employment and income activities (>80%). Caregivers experienced discrimination (15.27%) and violence (12.6%) during the pandemic. Levels of depression (34%), general anxiety (20%), and COVID-19 related anxiety (14%) were highly prevalent. There were significant associations between mental health outcomes and economic and socio-demographic factors, violence and discrimination experiences, residency, and perceptions of COVID-19 as a threatening condition. Caregivers high burden of mental health problems highlights the urgent need to provide accessible mental health support. Innovative and multi-sectoral approaches will be required to maximize reach to underserved communities in informal settlements and tackle the root causes of mental health problems in this population.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19 anxiety scale; general anxiety disorder-7 scale; Kenya; mental health; patient health questionnaire-9; urban informal settlements; telephone cross-sectional survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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