Title:
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ELEVATED ANXIETY SCORES AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A STUDY OF SELECTED CHILDREN'S HOMES IN KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA

Authors:
Mary Chege, Professor R. Oladipo and Dr. A. Munene

Volume - 2 Issue - 6, Pages - 3603-3614

Abstract:
Child and adolescent anxiety disorders are the most prevalent forms of childhood psychopathology. Research on child and adolescent anxiety disorders has predominantly been done in westernized societies. Hence, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence, comorbidity, and predictors of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents in non-western societies including those in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the factors associated with elevated anxiety scores among children and adolescents in selected children's homes in Kajiado County. A quasi experimental study was conducted on 186 participants (aged 9-17 years). The anxiety symptoms of the participants were based on a BAI tool for assessment. Results of the BAI revealed that the mean score was 19.5 (+_12.1SD). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with elevated BAI Scores. Three predictors were significantly associated with elevated BAI scores, female gender, being on medication and the participants viewing themselves as failures. Since anxiety is associated with immense healthcare costs, it is imperative that this disorder is recognised in good time for appropriate and timely intervention.

Cite this Article:

[Chege, Mary. "FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ELEVATED ANXIETY SCORES AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A STUDY OF SELECTED CHILDREN'S HOMES IN KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA." International Journal of Social Science & Economic Research 2.6 (2017): 3603-614.]