Strategies used by Students to Cope with Mental Health Issues in Secondary Schools in Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Mental health issues are becoming increasingly common among students worldwide, Kenya has not been spared. Studies have shown that approximately 20% of school students are now affected by diagnosable mental illnesses, with half of all mental issues developing by 14 years.It is further indicated that mental health problems are the leading cause of behavioral adjustment difficulties among adolescents in schools. A survey carried out in Kisii County in the year 2017, and published in the East African Medical Journal showed that 23% of the students had symptoms of depression. Despite this not much had been done to establish the coping strategies students use to manage their mental health issues. The objective of this study therefore was to establish the strategies used by students to cope with mental health issues in secondary schools in Kisii County, Kenya. The study was based on Social Control Theory by Ivan Nye (1958), which emphasizes the importance of the learning environment. When the learning environment is not conducive it will trigger mental health issues. Descriptive survey research design was used. The target population was 30,955 form two students. Yamane’s formula was employed to determine the sample size of 395 students. A questionnaire was used to collect data. A pilot study was carried out among 40 students using test- retest method of reliability. Reliability coefficient index of the instruments was determined at .78. Face and content validity of the instruments were ascertained by experts. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of frequencies and percentages. Findings indicated that the key strategy students use to address their mental health issues is reaching out to parents (89.1%), followed by seeing teachers for advice/help (86.8%), and distancing oneself from friends as well as reading the word of God/ praying (77.2%), avoiding assignments that are difficult (67.3%). The least strategy used by students was seeing the school counsellor (19.2%). It was concluded that students mostly prefer seeing parents. The study therefore recommends that schools should engage parents when dealing with students` mental health issues. The study further recommends that there is need for the schools and the ministry to establish why students avoid seeing school counselors for their mental health issues yet they are the professionals trained in handling students` issues. This finding is useful to the school managers and the Ministry of Education in shedding light on the importance of engaging parents in handling students` mental health issues.