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Doctoral Thesis | Psychology | Kenya | Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023

Screening and Interventions for Depression among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Kakamega County, Kenya

Grace Buluma Bakesia

Abstract: Depression is the third leading public health concern and second leading cause of death for adolescents. Screening strategies and interventions for children have been documented but are least used in schools in Kakamega county. This study examined the depression screening strategies and interventions used in secondary schools in Kakamega County, Kenya among the adolescents. The study used a descriptive design. Mixed methods of data collection were used. The Hopelessness theory of Depression was the theoretical basis of the study. A sociodemographic questionnaire was used for the adolescents. A questionnaire for the guidance and counseling teachers and key informant guides for the education officers and medical officers were used for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 27 was used for analysis of quantitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings showed that most of the standardized psychometric screening tools are not used in schools in Kakamega County, Kenya. There was reliance on observation of symptoms by teachers, peers and school health workers the method to screen for depression among adolescents. Guidance and counseling and life skills are the common interventions. The study recommends frequent screening of depression among adolescents using the standard psychometric tools and use of positive psychology interventions.

Keywords: Adolescents, Depression, Screening, Interventions, Secondary Schools

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023,

Pages: 1759 - 1766