Master of Arts in Counseling

Influence Of Psychosocial Factors on Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Undergraduate Medical Students in Kenya: A Case of Kenya Methodist University, Main Campus, Meru

2025-10-01T00:00:00Z

Influence Of Psychosocial Factors on Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Undergraduate Medical Students in Kenya: A Case of Kenya Methodist University, Main Campus, Meru Remezo, Remy Medical students are a group of people who are usually inclined to develop anxiety disorders because of the relatively stressful environment and other various psychosocial challenges they encounter. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of psychosocial factors on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) among undergraduate medical students. The following objectives guided the study: to investigate the influence of financial worries, academic pressure, stress coping strategies, and student-staff relationships on GAD among undergraduate medical students at Kenya Methodist University, Main campus, Meru. The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and Self-Determination Theories informed this study. The researcher adopted a mixed-methods research design. The study targeted 1627 medical students. Stratified and simple random sampling was used to select 163 medical students from the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), pharmacy, clinical medicine, nursing, and medical laboratory. 10 staff members (chairpersons of the Department, university counselors, and medical lecturers) were chosen using a purposive and census sampling method. The data were gathered from staff members and undergraduate medical students using a semi-structured interview schedule and questionnaires, respectively. Tools were piloted at Mount Kenya University (MKU), Main Campus, Thika, to ascertain their validity and reliability among 17 medical students and staff members. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, with all variables exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.7: GAD (.873), academic pressure (.784), financial worries (.823), stress-coping mechanisms (.71), and student-staff relationships (.87). The quantitative data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) Version 30. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multiple linear regression) were used to analyze and make sense of quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The overall response rate was 80.36%. Results showed that academic pressure (β = .265, p = .003) and financial worries (β = .297, p = .001) were significant positive predictors of GAD, indicating that higher stress in these areas increased anxiety levels. Positive stress-coping strategies were a significant negative predictor of GAD (β = –.266, p = .005), suggesting that effective coping reduced anxiety symptoms, while negative stress-coping was not a significant predictor of GAD (p =  .05). Student–staff relationships demonstrated a non-significant negative trend (β = –.150, p = .057). Qualitative findings reinforced the statistics, identifying workload, performance pressure, financial strain, and poor coping as key stressors. In contrast, mentorship, supportive staff, and healthy coping strategies were found to foster resilience. The study concludes that academic pressure and financial strain substantially elevate GAD risk among medical students, whereas healthy coping mechanisms serve a protective role. Interventions should prioritize time management training, financial support systems, and the promotion of adaptive coping strategies, alongside fostering positive student–staff relationships to safeguard mental well-being. University counselors will gain insights into psychosocial factors influencing GAD, enabling them to provide more personalized interventions. University management and institutions will acquire knowledge to improve student welfare services and strengthen personnel support. The Ministry of Education and policymakers are expected to use the findings to advocate for resources and funding, including affordable medical education. Medical students will be able to self-assess, seek timely professional help, and support their peers who face challenges. Lecturers and staff will also gain awareness of factors related to GAD, helping them provide practical support and encouragement to students. The findings will enrich the existing literature by serving as a reference point for future studies.

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Unhealthy Behaviour Among Patients With Lifestyle Diseases in Kiambu County - Kenya

2024-10-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Unhealthy Behaviour Among Patients With Lifestyle Diseases in Kiambu County - Kenya KARAMBU, ANNE Unhealthy behaviour such as unhealthy diets, inactive lifestyle, smoking and harmful alcohol use misuse are a significant contributor to lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, and obesity. However, the influence of psychosocial factors on unhealthy behaviour among persons with lifestyle diseases in Kiambu County was unclear. Consequently, this study sought to establish how psychosocial factors influenced unhealthy behaviour among patients with lifestyle diseases in Kiambu County. Precisely, the study examined the influence of stress coping mechanisms, belief systems and peer pressure on unhealthy behaviour among patients living with lifestyle diseases in Kiambu County. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Health Belief Model (HBM) guided this research. Descriptive study design with cross-sectional survey was utilized. The study was conducted in three Kiambu County hospitals, Kiambu Level Five Hospital, Thika Level Five Hospital and Kihara Level Four Hospital. The study had a target population of 2,700 patients. The study sample size comprised of 215 patients along with 3 clinicians, 3 doctors and 3 nutritionists. The patients were selected using systematic sampling technique while the healthcare practitioners were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data collection tools were a questionnaire and an interview schedule. The patients responded to the questionnaire while the healthcare practitioners responded to the interview schedule. The study tools were pre-tested on 27 patients at Ruiru Level 4 Hospital. The questionnaire was assessed as reliable as it yielded a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.85. Quantitative data were analysed using various descriptive statistics namely frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation as well as inferential statistics in the form of Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS version 28. Qualitative data was analysed via content analysis with results reported verbatim. A total of 215 patients took part. From the findings, 61% of the patients ate unhealthy foods often;73% were physically inactive and 69% engaged in harmful use of alcohol. When stressed out, 61% (mean = 3.21, SD = 0.765) of the patients tended to sleep more; 54% (mean = 2.72, SD = 0.999) tended to eat a lot; 52% (mean = 3.43, SD = 0.987) drank alcohol excessively while 48% (mean = 2.62, SD = 0.963) engaged in self-isolation. On belief systems, 70% (mean = 3.88, SD = 0.591) believed that consuming expensive/fashionable diets, smoking and alcohol use was trendy while 68% (mean = 3.75, SD = 0.883) and 63% (mean = 3.71, SD = 0.772) agreed that meat consumption and alcohol use were part of their family celebrations. On peer pressure, 58% (mean = 3.89, SD = 0.821) ate more meat when with friends; 55% (mean = 3.71, SD = 0.905) took a lot of alcohol when with friends during weekends; 60% (mean = 3.43, SD = 0.749) agreed that their use of alcohol and cigarettes was influenced by friends; 61% (mean = 3.75, SD = 0.916) were at greater odds of excessive substance use (smoking or using alcohol) when with friends and 64% (mean = 3.63, SD = 0.735) were likely to eat unhealthy foods when out with friends. The study concluded that maladaptive stress coping mechanisms, unhealthy belief systems and peer pressure influenced unhealthy behaviour among the participants. The study recommends that health care providers should sensitize patients living with lifestyle diseases on the dangers of unhealthy lifestyle behaviour to their condition and should advocate for adoption of healthy living behaviours among these patients.

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Suicidal Ideation Among Police Officer in Nyeri Central Sub-County, Kenya

2023-08-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Suicidal Ideation Among Police Officer in Nyeri Central Sub-County, Kenya Muriuki, Stella Waky Due to various psychosocial factors some police officers develop suicidal thoughts and eventually commit suicide. A high rate of suicides by police officers persists in the National Police Service in recent years. This study therefore sought to examine the influence of psychosocial factors on suicidal ideations among police officers in Nyeri Central Sub-county, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to determine the influence of work environment on suicidal ideation, examine the influence of job control on suicidal ideation, analyse the influence of social support on suicidal ideation, assess the influence of coping style on suicidal ideation and establish the influence of depression on suicidal ideation. In this study, A mixed methods design was used. A total of 492 police officers working in Nyeri Central Sub County comprised the target population. A sample size of 221 respondents was used. To collect data, a structured self-administered questionnaire, a focus group discussion and an interview schedule were used to collect data from police officers, mental health workers and senior police officers respectively. In order to determine the reliability and validity of the instruments used in this research, a pilot test was conducted in Kirinyaga Central Sub County. Using SPSS v. 26 the collected data was encoded and input into a computer. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Utilizing inferential statistics such as chi-square and regression analysis, correlations between variables was determined. To analyze qualitative data content analysis using NVIVO software was used. Results of quantitative analysis were presented in form tables and figures including pie-charts and bar graphs while narration was used to present results of qualitative analysis. To analyze qualitative data content analysis was used and results were presented in form of narratives. Majority 167 (78.4%) of the respondents did not have suicidal ideation. The study found that 162 (76.1%) of the respondents indicated that their working environment was poor. Similarly, 169 (79.3%) of the respondents had no job control. The results of the study showed that 174 (81.6%) of the respondents had social support. It was found that 147 (69%) of the respondents had adaptive coping style. Majority 144(67.6%) of the respondents in the study had no depressive symptoms. Work environment (p=0.000), social support (p=0.011) and depression (p=0.000) were significant in the chi-square analysis. Work environment (p=0.000) was also significant in the regression analysis. The study concluded that work environment is the most influencing factor of suicidal ideation among police officers. Others included low social support and depression. It was recommended that the National Police Service ought to enhance the police officers working environment so as to reduce suicidal ideation and suicide. It was also recommended that senior officers should be encouraged to talk to junior officers even in matters outside work so as to cultivate a sense of support in the police force. The results of this study are important to police officers, their employer, psychologists and policy makers.

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Homosexuality in Same Sex Boarding Secondary Schools: A Case of Kikuyu Sub-County, Kenya

2023-10-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Homosexuality in Same Sex Boarding Secondary Schools: A Case of Kikuyu Sub-County, Kenya Nduta, Hannah Globally, reports on homosexuality trends among students in the same sex secondary schools are on the rise. Owing to that, various psychosocial factors such as gender, education, peer pressure, attitudes, religion and parenting styles have been linked to homosexuality. This study assessed the influence of psychosocial factors on homosexuality in same sex boarding schools in Kikuyu Sub County, Kiambu County. The study’s objectives were: to examine the influence of peer pressure on homosexuality in same sex boarding secondary schools in Kikuyu Sub-county, analyse the influence of parenting styles on homosexuality in same sex boarding secondary schools in Kikuyu Sub-county, to evaluate the influence of religion on homosexuality in same sex boarding secondary schools in Kikuyu Sub-county and the influence of sexual abuse on homosexuality in same sex boarding secondary schools. The social learning theory and social integration theory formed the main theories of this study. The study target population was 1660 Form Three students and 6 teacher counsellors of the same sex boarding secondary schools and A sample of 166 students and 6 teacher counsellors was used. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The Form 3 students were selected through proportional sampling and the teacher counsellors were selected by the use of a simple random sampling method. Questionnaires were administered to the students to collect quantitative data while interview guides were used to collect qualitative data from teacher counsellors. The quantitative data was analysed by use of descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and cross tabulations and presented by use of figures and tables. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and presented in verbatim. The students who demonstrated homosexuality tendencies were approximately 7.2%. Most of the study participants disagreed 67(40.4%) that their peers influenced the kinds of friends who they kept. They were worried on how their decision was viewed by their peers and agreed that their peers’ view of homosexuality determined the way they viewed it. majority 101(60.8%) agreed that their parents were very strict and insensitive hence leading them to find acceptance in same sex friends they did not have any close emotional attachment with their same sex friend as their parents are firm but care about their emotional and physical needs The findings show that among those identified with homosexuality, the key and significant statements 25(15.1%) included that their friends influenced how they spent their leisure time. . Approximately 67(40.4%) disagreed that children who are sexually molested ended up as homosexuals while a slightly more than a third 59(35.5%) disagreed that they believed that a rape victim is likely to become homosexual later in life. majority of the respondents 90(54.2%) agreed that their religion didn’t allow same sex relationships. They agreed with the statement that most religions prohibit unnatural sex. Close to 76(45.8%) of the respondents agreed with the statement that same sex relationships were termed as evil in their religion. The study realized that same sex relationships were termed as evil in most religions 76(45.8%). Further, many religions dictated that one can only have a sexual relationship with someone of the opposite gender 102(61.4%). There was significance in various statements that respondents believed that a rape victim was likely to become homosexual later in life (x 2 =11.47, p=0.089). In addition, early exposure to sexual acts leads to homosexuality 29(17.5%). Therefore, the study recommends that parents should adopt a parenting approach where children are given the opportunity to express themselves and where their views are listened to, so that they do not fall prey to peer influence, which could lead them to homosexuality. The MOE should strengthen guidance and counselling departments by having teachers in the department trained on basic counselling skills in order to offer students psychosocial support that would enhance behaviour change in relation to child abuse and strict parenting and thereby address homosexuality.

Assessment of the Effects of HIV Related Stigma on Self- Esteem of Pupils in Public Primary Schools in Kiambu County

2023-09-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of the Effects of HIV Related Stigma on Self- Esteem of Pupils in Public Primary Schools in Kiambu County Wambugu, Jennifer Wangari With the increased cases of Human Immune Deficiency Virus related stigma, there is increased need to ensure People Living With Human Immune Deficiency Virus don’t face stigma which eventually lowers their self-esteem. Specifically, pupils living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome have been victims of stigmatization and are often the most understood thus most affected by low self-esteem as a result of stigmatization. There is need for accurate evaluation of the health needs of the community specifically those living with Human Immune Deficiency Virus. This study sought to establish the effects of Human Immune Deficiency Virus related stigma on the self-esteem of pupils in Kiambu County. The study’s main objectives were to establish the effect of discrimination, denial of service, and isolation on pupils' self-esteem in Kiambu County. Besides, the study sought to establish strategies and interventions put in place and how they influence the self-esteem of pupils in Kiambu County facing Human Immune Deficiency Virus-related stigma. The study was supported by the psychosocial theory and the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory. The study evaluated how discrimination, denial of service, isolation, and interventions in place affect the self-esteem of pupils in Kiambu county. The study used a quantitative research design specifically utilizing descriptive design to identify the relationship between the different variables. A descriptive research design was used since it easily describes various attributes, values, attitudes, and changes in behavior of the respondents. The demographic of interest were 2000 pupils in classes 7 and 8 from public primary schools in Kiambu County. The sample size was 333 students based on a random sampling approach with an assurance level of 95%, which corresponded to 16.65% of the overall population. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data. The study ensured validity by conducting a pilot test involving 25 participants to assess questionnaire clarity, comprehensibility, and relevance. Reliability was established through a pilot study employing Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, a statistical method assessing internal consistency. The approach enhanced the accuracy and consistency of the research findings, thus ensuring robustness in the data collection process. To ensure the confidentiality of the collected data, each questionnaire was assigned a unique identification code, dissociated from any personal information. Besides, the responses were anonymized, and no identifying details were requested in the questionnaire. The completed questionnaires were collected in sealed envelopes to prevent unauthorized access to the information. The researcher used descriptive data analysis techniques which included means, frequencies, standard deviations and percentages. The researcher used SPSS to be able to come up with comprehensive data. The study established that there was a positive significant relationship between discrimination, denial of services and isolation supported by an overall mean of 2.52. The increase in the levels of discrimination, denial of services and isolation increased the levels of low self-esteem among pupils. Further, the study established intervention measures that can help to reduce the high rates of low self-esteem among pupils. The study recommended that the top management in government and education sector should device strategies and policies that address the psychological needs of children. Also, the research recommended that Education sector introduce a policy for organizations to have family support services and include the pupils affected or infected with Human Immune Deficiency Virus.

Influence of Remarriage on Psychological Well-Being of Parentally Bereaved Adolescents in Kiambu County

2022-10-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Remarriage on Psychological Well-Being of Parentally Bereaved Adolescents in Kiambu County Muchiri, Margaret Muriko An adolescent faces a myriad of adjustment challenges characteristic of their developmental stage. In addition, a parentally bereaved adolescent faces other challenges unique to blended families when their surviving parent remarries. The current study examined the influence of remarriage on the psychological well-being of parentally bereaved adolescents in Kiambu County. The study objectives were: To examine how loyalty binds, parenting tasks, and family culture influence parentally bereaved adolescents' psychological well-being. Based on attachment and family system theories, the study adopted a descriptive design using quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The sample comprised of 132 parentally bereaved adolescents from reconstituted families, and 10 key informants who were social workers, clergies, and individuals fostering parentally bereaved adolescents. Quantitative data were collected using self-administered questionnaires among adolescents, and qualitative data were obtained from the key informants through focus group discussions (FGDs). To ensure the reliability of the research instrument, a pilot study was done before conducting the actual study. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics namely, percentage, frequency, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics which were ANOVA, and multivariate and the findings were presented by use of tables. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using a latent approach and the findings were presented in verbatim. The findings showed that the adolescents exhibited low levels of psychological well-being. The findings on autonomy and acceptance revealed a mean of 2.47 with a standard deviation of 0.926, and a mean of 2.40 with a standard deviation of 1.048, respectively. The findings revealed that loyalty binds influenced psychological well- being of adolescents as indicated by a mean of 2.22 and a standard deviation of 0.930.In addition, parenting task was reported to affect the adolescents psychological well-being as indicated by a mean of 2.64 and a standard deviation of 0.934.Further, it was established that family culture influenced adolescents psychological well-being as indicated by a mean of 2.29 and a standard deviation of 0.912. The regression model was statistically significant in predicting that loyalty binds, parenting tasks, and family culture influenced parentally bereaved adolescents’ psychological wellbeing (Sig. value = 0.000). The regression analysis showed a strong and significant association between loyalty binds and psychological well-being (coefficient value of 0.293, p-value of .028); family culture and psychological well-being (coefficient value of .342, p-value of.010); and parenting task and psychological well-being (coefficient value of .264, p-value of .013). The findings implied that loyalty binds, parenting tasks, and family culture strongly and positively influenced the adolescent’s psychological well-being. The study recommends specific counseling interventions to assist parentally bereaved adolescents to adjust psychologically and thereby fit in reconstituted families.

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Women’s Stay in Abusive Marriages: A Case of Kiambu Sub-County, Kiambu County

2022-10-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Women’s Stay in Abusive Marriages: A Case of Kiambu Sub-County, Kiambu County Njama, Ruth Wanjiku Globally, the victims of domestic violence are essentially women and who tend to experience more severe forms of violence than men. In some cultures, domestic violence is often seen as justified particularly when the fault is directed on the part of the woman. In such cases, women are abused with impunity leaving devastating physical and psychological wounds. Despite the devastating consequences on the victims, they remain trapped in their abusive situations. This notwithstanding, less attention has-been paid to religious beliefs, perceived control, self-concept and hopefulness and their influence on women staying in abusive marriages. This study sought to establish how the said psychosocial factors influenced women to stay in abusive marriages in Kiambu Sub-County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine the influence of religious beliefs, perceived control, self-concept and hopefulness on women‟s stay in abusive marriages in Kiambu Sub-County. The learned helplessness theory and cycle of violence theory guided the study. The study employed a mixed method approach under descriptive design and was conducted in a half-way home „safe spaces‟ in Kiambu Sub-County. 38 women in abusive marriages taking refuge at the shelter were purposively sampled. They responded to questionnaires and an FGD guide. The research tools were piloted to ensure they were valid and reliable. Data analysis was done by use of descriptive statistics - mean, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages using SPSS v.25. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the selected psychosocial factors and women‟s stay in abusive marriages. Quantitative findings were presented in frequency tables, graphs and charts while the qualitative findings were analyzed thematically and presented in verbatim. The study established that the women‟s stay in abusive marriages was influenced by their religious beliefs as they agreed that they were not ready to quit their marriages due to their religious beliefs(mean = 4.27); their low perceived control as they argued that they would rather stay in abusive marriage than living alone (mean = 4.19) and did not want to mess up their families (mean = 4.11); their low self-concept as they accepted that most of the marriages had the same issues (mean = 4.36) and that they had no other option other than staying with their family (mean = 4.13); and their hopefulness for a positive change in their situation and/or in their husbands‟ abusive behaviour as they were hopeful better times lay ahead (mean = 4.27) and that they hoped that their husbands would change (mean = 4.12). The hypotheses tests results were that a statistically significant and positive relationship existed between the women‟s religious beliefs and their stay in abusive marriages (β = 0.712, p<0.05) as well as between the women‟s hopefulness and their stay in abusive marriages (β = 0.769, p<0.05). Further, a statistically significant and negative relationship existed between the women‟s perceived control and their stay in abusive marriages (β = -0.671, p<0.05) as well as between the women‟s self-concept and their stay in abusive marriages (β = -0.660, p<0.05). It was thus concluded that women‟s religious beliefs, perceived control, self-concept and hopefulness were psychosocial factors that had significant influence on their stay in abusive marriages in Kiambu Sub-County. The study recommends that efforts to empower women deal with abusive marriages should be enhanced at the individual and community levels. Other studies may build on insights derived from this review to further investigate this pertinent research subject.

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Development of Mental Disorders among Refugees: A Case of Hagadera Camp in Dadaab, Garissa County

2022-10-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Development of Mental Disorders among Refugees: A Case of Hagadera Camp in Dadaab, Garissa County Mohamed, Saadia When compared to the normal population, refugees are more prone to psychosocial distresses which lead to the development of mental disorders. The current study sought to examine the influence of psychosocial factors on the development of mental disorders among refugees in Hagadera Refugee Camp in Dadaab Complex, Kenya. The study’s objectives were; to examine the influence of collective ties on development of mental disorders; to determine the influence of acculturation on development of mental disorders; and to evaluate the influence of family separation on development of mental disorders among refugees living in Hagadera refugee camp in Dadaab Complex. Guided by Attachment Theory and Cognitive Theory. Using simple random sampling method, the study recruited 200 refugees visiting Hagadera Mental Clinic. Males accounted for 54% and females 47%.The study adopted descriptive research design to collect and analyze quantitative data which was collected using self- administered questionnaires. The study used descriptive statistics including standard deviation, mean, percentage, and frequency to analyze data and presentation was done by use of tables. The findings indicated presence of different mental disorders among participants where prevalence of mood disorders was (40.5%), anxiety disorders (39%), PTSD (8%), schizo-affective disorders (4.5%), narcolepsy (3.5%), psychosis (1.5%), somatic complaints (1.5%), stress (1%), and affective disorder (0.5%). Other findings were that participants reported low levels of acculturation as indicated by a mean score of 2.90 (lowest score 1.92, highest score 3.45) and a standard deviation of 0.937. Participants also scored low on collective ties with a means score of 3.54 (lowest score 2.49, highest score 3.97) and a standard deviation of 0.624. The findings also indicated that family separation was pronounced with a mean score of 3.16 (highest score 4.02, lowest score 2.68) and a standard deviation of 1.2000. Inferential statistics showed that the regression model was statistically significant in predicting that collective ties, acculturation and family separation contributed in the development of mental disorders among refugees (Sig. value of 0.000). Regression analysis indicated a strong and a significant relationship between collective ties and development of mental disorders (coefficient value=.217, p-value=.021), between acculturation and development of mental disorders (coefficient value = .118, p-value = .012), and between family separation and development of mental disorder (coefficient value = .417, p-value = .001). The study findings indicated that one consequence of experiencing compromised detached collective ties, family separation, and inability to acculturate accurately among refugees, is the development of mental disorders. This understanding fortifies the relevance of feasible and acceptable psychological intervention aimed at addressing issues emanating from strained collective ties, process of acculturation, and familial separation among refugees community.

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Suicidal Ideation among Police Officers in Nyeri Central Sub-County, Kenya

2022-08-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Suicidal Ideation among Police Officers in Nyeri Central Sub-County, Kenya Muriuki, Stella Waky Due to various psychosocial factors some police officers develop suicidal thoughts and eventually commit suicide. A high rate of suicides by police officers persists in the National Police Service in recent years. This study therefore sought to examine the influence of psychosocial factors on suicidal ideations among police officers in Nyeri Central Sub-county, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to determine the influence of work environment on suicidal ideation, examine the influence of job control on suicidal ideation, analyse the influence of social support on suicidal ideation, assess the influence of coping style on suicidal ideation and establish the influence of depression on suicidal ideation. In this study, A mixed methods design was used. A total of 492 police officers working in Nyeri Central Sub County comprised the target population. A sample size of 221 respondents was used. To collect data, a structured self-administered questionnaire, a focus group discussion and an interview schedule were used to collect data from police officers, mental health workers and senior police officers respectively. In order to determine the reliability and validity of the instruments used in this research, a pilot test was conducted in Kirinyaga Central Sub County. Using SPSS v. 26 the collected data was encoded and input into a computer. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Utilizing inferential statistics such as chi-square and regression analysis, correlations between variables was determined. To analyze qualitative data content analysis using NVIVO software was used. Results of quantitative analysis were presented in form tables and figures including pie-charts and bar graphs while narration was used to present results of qualitative analysis. To analyze qualitative data content analysis was used and results were presented in form of narratives. Majority 167 (78.4%) of the respondents did not have suicidal ideation. The study found that 162 (76.1%) of the respondents indicated that their working environment was poor. Similarly, 169 (79.3%) of the respondents had no job control. The results of the study showed that 174 (81.6%) of the respondents had social support. It was found that 147 (69%) of the respondents had adaptive coping style. Majority 144(67.6%) of the respondents in the study had no depressive symptoms. Work environment (p=0.000), social support (p=0.011) and depression (p=0.000) were significant in the chi-square analysis. Work environment (p=0.000) was also significant in the regression analysis. The study concluded that work environment is the most influencing factor of suicidal ideation among police officers. Others included low social support and depression. It was recommended that the National Police Service ought to enhance the police officers working environment so as to reduce suicidal ideation and suicide. It was also recommended that senior officers should be encouraged to talk to junior officers even in matters outside work so as to cultivate a sense of support in the police force. The results of this study are important to police officers, their employer, psychologists and policy makers.

Influence of Selected Psychosocial Challenges on Academic Performance among First Year Students in Kenyatta University, Nairobi County

2021-11-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Selected Psychosocial Challenges on Academic Performance among First Year Students in Kenyatta University, Nairobi County Muthuuri, Julia Gakii University students face numerous psychosocial challenges that contribute to poor academic performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of selected psychosocial challenges on the academic performance of first-year students at Kenyatta University. The study was guided by three objectives: to examine the influence of relational factors on academic performance of first-year students in Kenyatta University, to determine the influence of emotional stability on academic performance, and to identify strategies that can be used to help the first-year students to overcome psychosocial challenges affecting their academic performance. Social Learning Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Theory were used to explain the study variables. The study adopted a descriptive survey design whereby stratified sampling technique was used to select 560 respondents who were first-year students at Kenyatta University. Data were gathered by the use of an interview guide and a questionnaire. Content validation was used to determine the study tools' validity. The Cronbach value of at best 0.6 was used to determine reliability. Using SPSS version 23, data were analyzed using standard deviation and displayed in the type of tables and charts. The research found that first-year students face multiple difficulties concerning relational and emotional issues. Some of the most common problems in the study were time, workload, expectations for the two cohorts, balancing relationships with peers, meeting academic performance expectations, freedom of choice in course selection, and personal inhibitions such as feelings of loneliness and depression among others. The study further found that interventions addressing these psychological challenges had already been put in place. These were psychological evaluations, time-bound treatment, emotional support, personal development groups or external psychological services, and social integration for addressing relationship difficulties. This is done by encouraging students to engage in any academic, cultural, and sporting activities. The University also offers orientation programs for first-time students. To enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the programs in place, the University has taken measures to widen the scope of their focus in the future by providing programs during the orientation week for first-year students to get to know each other. It was recommended that a comparative study on public universities and private universities should be conducted to investigate how psychosocial factors influence academic performance among first years.