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

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