Sociodemographic Characteristics Associated with Conduct Disorder Among Adolescents in Selected Secondary Schools in Ruiru Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Conduct Disorder (CD) is an important behavioural and mental health concern among adolescents and is associated with adverse social, academic, and psychological outcomes. This study examined the association between selected sociodemographic characteristics and CD among adolescents in selected secondary schools in Ruiru Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya. A quantitative analytical approach was used among 90 adolescents aged 15–19 years from two selected secondary schools. Data were collected using a Conduct Disorder Scale and a sociodemographic questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 29. Gender was significantly associated with CD scores, with male adolescents recording higher scores than females (p < .001). Age, class level, family structure, number of siblings, maternal educational level, and paternal educational level were not significantly associated with CD scores. However, the number of rooms in the household was positively and significantly associated with CD scores (p = .021). Although the individual association between number of rooms and CD was significant, the combined regression model involving age, number of rooms, and number of siblings did not significantly predict CD scores. Overall, the findings indicate that gender and selected household characteristics were associated with CD, although sociodemographic characteristics had limited explanatory power when considered collectively. The study recommends strengthening school-based screening, early identification, counselling, and referral services while considering broader individual, family, psychological, social, and environmental factors in addressing CD among adolescents.