Social-Cultural Factors Associated with Common Mental Health Disorders among Pregnant and Parenting Teenagers: A Case Study of Korogocho Slums, Nairobi County, Kenya

Background: Teenage pregnancy is a significant problem in Kenya, with over 18% of teenagers aged 15-19 being pregnant or already mothers, with rates even higher in low-income areas such as slums. Existing research has shown that teenage pregnancy increases the risk of mental health disorders, and maternal complications during childbirth, and postpartum.

Objective: The study aimed to determine the social-cultural factors associated with common mental health disorders among pregnant and parenting teenagers.

Method: An analytical cross-sectional research design was applied. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized to recruit 153 study participants, where Cochran formula for smaller populations was applied to determine sample size. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques of data collection were applied. The chi-square test for independence was employed to determine the degree of association between the dependent and independent variables. Statistical significance was set at p=≤0.05.

Results: The prevalence of common mental health disorders in this study was 55%. When the bivariate analysis was done, the following social-cultural factors were found to be significantly associated with common mental health disorders. Absence of social support (X2=2.983, df=3, P<0.005), intimate partner violence (X2= 25.970; df=1, P-value=< 0.000). Presence of physical violence (Physical abuse before pregnancy(X2=19.006, df=2,p<0.001*), Physical abuse during pregnancy(X2=21.169, df=2, <0.001*), Physical abuse after delivery(X2=26.173, df=2, <0.001*),) and presence of sexual violence(Sexual abuse before pregnancy(X2=13.896, df=2, <0.001*), Sexual abuse during pregnancy(X2=5.208, df=2, 0.035*) and Sexual abuse after pregnancy(X2=8.405, df=2, 0.003*).

Conclusion: The prevalence of common mental health disorders in this study was high. The following social-cultural factors were found to be significantly associated with common mental health disorders, absence of social support, presence of physical violence, presence of sexual abuse, and the presence of intimate partner violence. There is a need to develop psychosocial and legal support programs targeting pregnant and parenting teenagers to prevent them from common mental health disorders. Furthermore, the community including parents, teachers, and policymakers should support adolescents during their growth and development stages and protect them against teenage pregnancies which will ultimately lead to a healthier population.