Assessment of Types and Prevalence of Mental Health Inequalities in Samburu East Sub-County, Kenya

Authors

  • Lekilit Jacob Satonik Meru University of Science and Technology
  • Patrick Kinyua Kubai Meru University of Science and Technology
  • Dorothy Kagendo Kithinji Meru University of Science and Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t4415

Abstract

Mental health disorders are a leading cause of global morbidity and disability, with the burden disproportionately affecting populations in low- and middle-income countries. Despite increasing recognition of mental health as a public health priority, there remains limited context-specific evidence on the distribution of mental health disorders in pastoralist and marginalized communities in Kenya. The objective of this study is to determine the types of selected mental health disorders prevalent in Samburu East Sub-County, Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive study employing a mixed-methods approach was conducted among 414 respondents in Samburu East Sub-County. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Keywords: Mental health prevalence, depression, stress, pastoralist communities Kenya, anxiety

Author Biographies

Lekilit Jacob Satonik, Meru University of Science and Technology

Master of Public Health Candidate

Patrick Kinyua Kubai, Meru University of Science and Technology

School of Health Sciences

Dorothy Kagendo Kithinji, Meru University of Science and Technology

School of Health Sciences

References

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Published

2026-09-14

How to Cite

Satonik, L. J., Kubai, P. K., & Kithinji, D. K. (2026). Assessment of Types and Prevalence of Mental Health Inequalities in Samburu East Sub-County, Kenya. Journal of Medicine, Nursing & Public Health, 9(2), 8–13. https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t4415

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Articles