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Empowering Change: Leveraging Research to Enhance Mental Health Outcomes for Kenyan Students

Empowering Change: Leveraging Research to Enhance Mental Health Outcomes for Kenyan Students

Introduction

In a world where mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall well-being, understanding the factors that contribute to mental health challenges is vital. A recent study titled "Socio-demographic, economic and mental health problems were risk factors for suicidal ideation among Kenyan students aged 15 plus" sheds light on the prevalence and predictors of suicidal ideation among Kenyan students. As practitioners dedicated to improving mental health outcomes, it is essential to delve into these findings and explore how they can inform our practices.

Understanding the Research

The study examined 9,742 high school, college, and university students in Kenya, utilizing a variety of instruments to assess socio-demographic, economic, and mental health factors. The findings revealed a significant prevalence of suicidal ideation, with 23% of participants reporting such thoughts in the past two weeks. Notably, the study identified female gender, major depression, stress, affectivity, psychosis, and being in high school as significant predictors of suicidal ideation.

Key Takeaways for Practitioners

For practitioners in the field of speech language pathology and mental health, these findings offer valuable insights:

Encouraging Further Research

While this study provides critical insights, it also highlights the need for further research. Understanding the progression from suicidal ideation to attempts and identifying the most predictive suicidal thoughts are areas that warrant exploration. As practitioners, advocating for and participating in such research can contribute to the development of more effective prevention strategies.

Conclusion

The findings of this study underscore the complex interplay between socio-demographic, economic, and mental health factors in influencing suicidal ideation among Kenyan students. By leveraging these insights, practitioners can enhance their interventions and contribute to improved mental health outcomes. For those interested in exploring the original research, you can access it here.


Citation: Ndetei, D. M., Mutiso, V. N., Weisz, J. R., Okoth, C. A., Musyimi, C., Muia, E. N., Osborn, T. L., Sourander, A., Wasserman, D., & Mamah, D. (2023). Socio-demographic, economic and mental health problems were risk factors for suicidal ideation among Kenyan students aged 15 plus. Journal of Affective Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.055
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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