Media accessibility and use-patterns on the occurrence of mental health conditions among youths in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Merab Stacy Akinyi; John Paul Oyore; Alloys Stevens Sigar Orago

doi:10.53730/ijhs.v10n1.15858

Authors

Akinyi Merab Stacy
staicemerab@gmail.com
Kenyatta University, Kenya
John Paul Oyore Kenyatta University, Kenya
Alloys Stevens Sigar Orago Kenyatta University, Kenya

Keywords:

Media accessibility, Media use-patterns, Mental health burden, Mental health condition, Young people

Abstract

Globally, MHC affects 10 to 20% of youths. Onset for 50% being 14 years. In Kenya, 1 in 10 suffered from a known MHC. Most active media use age-group was 26-35yrs. The study assessed the burden of media accessibility and use-patterns on the occurrence of MHC among youths in NCC, Kenya. Study design was analytical cross-sectional with quantitative and qualitative methods. Data collection involved SSQs, KIIs and FGDs with 24-KIIs and 2-FGDs being conducted. 385-participants selected using simple random sampling method and data analysis conducted using Advanced Excel including descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Transcribing, coding, and classifying was employed. Results indicated statistically significant difference in self-esteem scores between the two groups, t(766) = -2.84, p = .0047. Specifically, youths engaged in informal occupations (M = 19.01, SD ≈ 17.91) reported higher self-esteem compared to those in formal occupations (M = 15.42, SD ≈ 17.14). Employment type may influence how youths perceive their self-worth. Regression analysis showed, media use-patterns were not a statistically significant predictor of self-esteem among youths in NCC, β = -0.08, t(382) = 1.03, p = .30. Media literacy had a positive and statistically significant effect on self-esteem, β = 0.21, t(382) = 2.23, p = .03.

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