Kenya – National Adolescent Mental Health Survey (K-NAMHS)

Abstract

Little is known about the prevalence of mental disorders among Kenyan adolescents. This is a critical gap in knowledge as studies have shown that mental disorders during adolescence, particularly those that remain untreated or under-treated, can have adverse outcomes throughout the life course. The lack of adequate evidence inhibits policymakers, practitioners, and researchers from appropriately targeting public health efforts, developing effective service planning, and increasing local and global attention and funding for adolescent mental health. The aims of the Kenya – National Adolescent Mental Health Survey (K-NAMHS) were to: a) determine the prevalence of mental disorders among adolescents aged 10-17 years; b) measure associated risk and protective factors; and c) examine service use. K-NAMHS also assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents as related to mental health.