Factors associated with psychological distress in mothers and girls in Kenya: A baseline analysis

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BACKGROUND: Psychological distress may be an indicator of mental health, can lead to reduced life functioning, and is not well studied in African countries. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this analysis was to quantify psychological distress using the Kessler-6 (K-6) scale, which is a screener for psychological distress, and identify socio-cultural factors among low-income Kenyan mothers/guardians (mothers) and their daughters (girls). METHODS: We analyzed baseline data from mothers and girls participating in a longitudinal study in nine counties in Kenya. The specific problem the longitudinal project sought to address was early onset of sexual activity. Inclusion criteria for mothers included: age between 27-64 years, had daughters in primary school class 8 or secondary school form 1 (9th grade), family income less than 2400KSH/month, and no plans to move in the next 4 years. Inclusion criteria for girls included: age between 13-20 years at the start of study, not married, not pregnant, in primary school class 8 or secondary school form 1 and mother was willing to take part. A chi-square test was used to assess differences. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the mean psychological distress or K-6 score (7.1) of the mothers and the girls (6.7). County and ethnicity were significantly associated with mothers’ high and moderate psychological distress; county was significantly associated with girls’ moderate psychological distress. Additionally, odds of psychological distress were greater for mothers who ever experienced forced sex (high psychological distress only) and who disagreed that girls are treated with respect by family members. No attitude factors were significantly associated with girls’ high or moderate psychological distress, although agreement with, “I can talk to my mother about sex” approached a significant association with moderate psychological distress. CONCLUSION: As psychological distress and disorders can negatively impact disease incidence and treatment, a public health focus on prevention through social, educational, and economic interventions is warranted.

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