Doctor of Philosophy Dissertations
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Kiptinness, Evonne Mwangale (Daystar University School of Communication, October , 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: Interpersonal communication, and in particular provider-patient communication, is integral to health communication and benefits patient satisfaction, retention, and overall health outcomes. Kenya is one of six HIV/AIDS ‘high burden’ countries in Africa, with about 1.5 million people reported to be living with HIV at the end of 2019 and 6800 new infections among children. A contributing factor to these infections is the mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) during pregnancy, labour, delivery, or breastfeeding. Anchored on the convergence theory and social influence theory, a pre-post survey (N = 161), interviews (N = 2) and focus group discussions (N = 11) were employed to identify differences and determine challenges between mothers who receive support through the mentor mother program and their counterparts who do not have access to such support. The study also established the perceptions of mentor mothers on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme in Homa Bay, Kenya. Study participants were selected using convenient sampling at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital and Kandege Health Centre. Qualitative data was analysed using a Welch t-test, while thematic analysis using Dedoose was used for qualitative data. Findings showed that post-natal participants had significantly greater PMTCT knowledge (sig = 0.02) than post-intervention participants who had access to a mentor mother. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of attitudes, PMTCT practices, interpersonal communication, mutual understanding, compliance, identification, and internalization. The study recommends provision of interpersonal communication skills training for mentor mothers to better improve their impact in communities. Description: Doctor of philosophy In communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3907 Files in this item: 1
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Aswani, Daniel Robert (Daystar University, School of Communication, June , 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: In this study, I explored the phenomenological question on what perceptions terror victims had towards government communication on terror (GCT) during the Garissa University College terror attack. During the attack, anxious citizens yearned for government communication to enable them to make decisions on their safety. A review of relevant literature revealed that GCT had not been problematized from the perspective of the terror victims. Through the study’s research questions, I sought to understand the expectations terror victims had of government communication, how terror victims experienced and understood the government based on its communication on terror, what terror victims perceived as the message typologies in GCT, and what individual and shared terror victims’ perceptions were constructed towards GCT. I targeted students and staff who survived the attack and their families, as well as the families of the 147 students and staff who died during the attack. Over a period of four months, I used the snowball sampling technique to conduct ten in-depth interviews. The study findings revealed the need for a comprehensive GCT. Further, the findings revealed a high ranking for action every time the government communicates on terror; and that GCT is at its optimum when it is considered in a continuum where communication punctuates messages on policies, precepts and procedures, interventions, relationships, and ultimately, the actions taken by the government. The study also established that the terror victims’ perceptions had sprung from their expectations of GCT. Several recommendations were drawn from the study findings and discussions, key among them, the urgent need to form a fully-fledged GCT unit to enable the government to deal with issues arising from terror activities. Finally, the government should make every effort to remain agile on matters communication. Description: Doctor of philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3899 Files in this item: 1
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Mutie, Benjamin Muindi (Daystar University, School of Communication. Nairobi, October , 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: Since 2011, the impact and frequency of terrorism in Kenya have soared consistently. Consequently, terrorism reporting is today a major recurring news item in various media outlets. This research employed a phenomenological inquiry based on 28 in-depth interviews with journalists who have covered terrorism in Kenya between 2011 and 2019. Specifically, it first explored the lived experiences of journalists involved in this coverage and, secondly, examined the structures that influence their work when reporting on this beat. Third, it investigated ways in which structures influence the freedoms of journalists who have reported on terrorism. Last, the study explored the implications that the structural influences have on the journalistic freedoms of those covering the news topic. Within the context of lived experiences, findings indicate three major themes: fear of surveillance, the safety of journalists at risk, and nationalistic reportage. The fear of surveillance is characterized by worries about surveillance by state security agents and terrorists, while the safety of journalists at risk comprises psychological and physical safety. Nationalistic coverage is highly associated with Kenya-born reporters – an outright biased in favor of their nation. Legal and policy and organization structures influence those covering terrorism. The ways in which the structures influence journalistic freedoms comprise two themes: constraints in accessing information, resulting in journalists exploring alternative avenues for news; and the violation of tenets of professional journalism, such as impartiality, objectivity, and journalistic ethics. Under the fourth line of investigation, journalistic autonomy is the single major implication related to the coverage of terrorism, featuring low journalistic independence, self-censorship, and biased reporting. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3823 Files in this item: 1
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Onyalla, Don Bosco (Daystar University, School of Communication, October , 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: Journalism scholars argue that professional news journalism is in crisis. To establish the extent of such crisis, context- and culture-based research has been recommended. Some scholars have identified news negativity and source bias among the problems of professional news journalism, aspects that combine to show a disregard for public interest. Employing mixed methods research design, this study sought to gain insight into professional news journalism practice in Kenya from three perspectives: news valence, the diversity of news sourcing channels, and the diversity of news actors. Quantitative data was collected through quantitative content analysis of headlines and stories (n = 1,132) from seven major news-making events in a six-year period (2015-2020) across four Kenyan national newspapers. Qualitative data was generated through in-depth interviews with 25 journalists involved in the coverage of the seven events. The findings showed an overall bias toward negative valence and a strong portrayal of conflict-driven journalism; limited sourcing, characterized by an overwhelming dominance of journalists’ analyses; a heavy reliance on official sources; a journalism practice that leans toward news-for-profit rather than news-for-information through low-cost and easy-to-access strategies; and a systemic bias toward the elites, and against ordinary citizens. This evidence-based position regarding news valence and source diversity in Kenyan mainstream newspapers can facilitate precise responses to the concerns about news negativity and source bias. This can serve the interests of Kenya’s professional news journalists, media managers, institutions of journalism, media scholars, and policymakers within the context of the news media industry. Based on this study’s findings, policies in the news media industry can be updated in view of fostering the interests of 21st century audiences. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3817 Files in this item: 1
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Gakari, Beatrice Wairimu (Daystar University, School of Communication, May , 2018)[more][less]
Abstract: This is a study in Organisational Communication, which explores how communication constitutes the Chama, a popular form of organising in Kenya, and in many African countries. In Kenya, figures suggest that up to one in three Kenyans belong to at least one Chama. Despite this prevalence of Chamas in society, they have not been studied as organisations, and more specifically, they have not been studied from a communication perspective. The problem explored in this study was how communication constitutes the Chama, a non-formal organisation. This was an interpretive study using a case study design, and a comparative case study type. Four purposively selected Chamas were studied between May 2017 and November 2017. This involved two in-depth interviews with two leaders from each Chama and four focus group discussions. In addition, I wrote extensive reflections on a blog, based on observations of three Chama meetings for each Chama. This study used McPhee and Zaug’s Four Flows, a theory of communicative constitution, as a theoretical framework to explore how communication constitutes the Chama. The findings hold the theory of communicative constitution as explicated in FF, but demonstrates specifics of how it applies to Chamas. This study adds to the body of knowledge the Intangible Social Fabric, which emerged from the findings as a special flow. It facilitates the Four Flows discussed in theory in order to weave a firm Chama. The study concluded that not only are Chamas organisations, which are constituted through communication, but that they also present a surface for theorising the Communicative Constitution of African organisation. The study recommended that the intangible social fabric be identified and cultivated in any organisation, as it proves the fecundity of communication in birthing strong organisation. Key words: Chamas, organisations, Communicative Constitution, Four Flows, Intangible Social Fabric. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3542 Files in this item: 1
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Omungo, Ruth Mumo (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, October , 2020)[more][less]
Abstract: Anxiety and depression are common problems facing older people. They become intensified among older clergy, whose mental problems are framed not just by their age, but also by their vocational experiences. This study assessed the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) as an intervention for depression and anxiety symptoms for older clergy, and focused on selected mainline Christian denominations in Nairobi, Kenya. The study used a convenient sample of n=132 participants aged 60 years and above. A quasi-experimental research design was used, with an experimental group being exposed to MBCT-SH therapy for twelve weeks and followed up for eight weeks. Data was collected via a socio-demographic questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Index (BDI). At the baseline about 90% of participants had either mild or moderate anxiety. For the control group, anxiety estimates grew by 9%, while for the treatment group they fell by 42%, hence the intervention was effective in this regard. For depression, about 52% of participants had mild or moderate depression. A significant effect was observed in relation to the interaction of the intervention and time whereby for the control group, depression estimates grew by 80% between the baseline and midline, while for the treatment group, they reduced by 40%, hence the intervention had a significant effect on depression levels. The participants found the MBCT convenient to use, informative on the contextualised causes, triggers, and manifestations of both anxiety and depression, and effective in reducing their symptoms. They however expressed reservations about the philosophical basis of MBCT, which they felt lacked biblical backing up. The findings give incipient evidence for the effectiveness of MBCT in reducing both the levels of anxiety and depression among older clergy and can help practitioners to develop integrative strategies to prevent and treat anxiety and depression. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3540 Files in this item: 1
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Mbiriri, Michael K. (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, May , 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: Behavioural problems have remained a critical problem among girls incarcerated in rehabilitation schools. The strategies that have been put in place by the government of Kenya seem not to be fully effective in treating adolescents in rehabilitation centers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether multisystemic therapy (MST) would be effective in treating behavioural problems of incarcerated adolescent girls in the two out of ten government rehabilitation schools in Kenya. The researcher purposively sampled the only two girls’ government rehabilitation schools at Kirigiti and Dagoretti in Kiambu and Nairobi counties respectively. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design with the two rehabilitation schools being randomly assigned into either treatment or control group. Quantitative method was used to collect the data through the use of questionnaire and Achenbach youth self-report (YSR) (11-18 years). Baseline data was first collected in the two sites. Those found with selected behavioural problems in the experimental sites were treated with MST. In the control site there was no intervention. In the third and six months after intervention, the researcher administered YSR to determine the level of selected behavioural problems in the two sites. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. T-test, Chi square, Anova as well as Ancova tests were carried. The prevalence rates for depression, anxienty disorder and conduct disorder were 66.7%, 70.5% and 55% respectively. In the experimental group the study shows statistically significance difference in mean differences scores at both post-treatment one and two (p<0.001). Therefore this is an indication that MST had an impact on post treatment one and two among juvenile delinquents in experimental as opposed to control groups. The results provide significant insights into effectiveness of MST on selected behavioral problems among juvenile girls incarcerated in rehabilitation schools Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3539 Files in this item: 1
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James, Naomi (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, May , 2016)[more][less]
Abstract: This study set to establish the effectiveness of behavior and rational emotive behavior therapies (REBT) in treating conduct disorder among juvenile delinquents. The objectives of the study were to establish the prevalence of conduct disorder among juvenile delinquents, determine the exposure of juveniles to distressful situations and determine the effectiveness of behavior and REBT therapies in treating conduct disorder. The study sample was drawn from Kabete and Wamumu rehabilitation schools in Nairobi and Kirinyaga counties respectively. A sample size of 94 respondents was drawn out of a population of 167 using purposive sampling procedure. This study used quasi-experimental design and quantitative data was collected in three time series. The Child Behavior Checklist Youth Self Report for ages 11-18 (2001) questionnaire was used to assess symptoms of conduct disorder. This questionnaire has proven validity and reliability of 0.82. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Studies (2011) and included bivariate, multivariate and multimodal analysis. The study established that the prevalence of conduct disorder was 36.5%, and respondents who presented with other psychological disorders were more likely to have conduct disorder: anxious depressed (OR=0.050, 95% CI: 0.110-0.255; p=<0.0001), internalizing anxiety (OR=0.067, CI: 0.024-0.187; p=<0.0001). Moreover, experiencing distressful events was significantly associated with the occurrence of conduct disorder. The study established a statistically significant reduction of conduct disorder symptoms from a mean of 19.96 at baseline to 8.26 at post-treatment two and this was significant at p<0.001, indicating the effectiveness of behavior and REBT therapies in treating conduct disorder. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that behavior and REBT therapies be integrated in the juveniles’ rehabilitation program. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology - abstract URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3533 Files in this item: 1
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Machua, Thomas Mutungi (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, February , 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: Kenya has one of the most organized Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) programmes in Africa the implementation of its curriculum faces many challenges. Thika East in Kiambu County is not exceptional to these challenges. The purpose of this study was to conduct a situational analysis in the implementation of thematic-integrated curriculum in selected pre-schools in Thika East, Kiambu County. The objectives included: to establish the current thematic-integrated curriculum implementation strategies in these pre-schools; to assess the factors influencing the implementation of thematic-integrated curriculum in these pre-schools; to suggest ways of improving implementation of thematic-integrated curriculum in these pre-schools. A descriptive study was conducted by administering a questionnaire to teachers in Thika East. An in-depth interview was also conducted among pre-school administrators in Thika East. A documentary review analysis of the schemes of work and lesson plans of pre-school teachers was also done. The findings showed that almost every school had a teacher trained in NACECE/DICECE curriculum. The majority of the teachers and administrators also agreed that there was improvement in the teaching performance after training in NACECE/DICECE curriculum. Lack of adequate teaching and learning materials was the major challenge in the implementation of thematic-integrated curriculum. In addition most teachers did not follow the schemes of work. The study recommended that school administrators regularly supervise teachers and ensure adequate budgetary allocation to the pre-schools; the teachers to attend continuous training, and government should employ ECDE supervisors and provide resources for ECDE programmes. Description: Master of Arts in Child Development URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3476 Files in this item: 1
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Kerongo, Stellah Moraa Osoro (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, October , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: This study employed Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) with the intention to reduce depression symptoms and enhance academic performance of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) adolescents in selected primary schools, Nairobi County, Kenya. The main objective was to establish the effectiveness of REBT in treating depression and enhancing academic performance among DHH adolescents. The study utilized quasi-experimental design in which Aga Khan Primary School was the experimental group and Joseph Kangethe Primary School was the control group. The study sample size was 64 DHH adolescents from Pre-Primary one to class eight aged between 14 to 20 years. Data collection was done through the social demographic questionnaires, Becks depression inventory and document analysis. The findings revealed that the respondents’ academic performance was affected by the mode of communication used, frequency of respondents’ caregiver assistance in doing homework, giving extra homework and who the respondents share their problems with at β = -.010 (p=0.014), β=-0.153 (p=0.054), β=0.005 (p=0.007) and β=0.111 (p=0.050) respectively. In addition, the study findings revealed that there was association between predictive factors and academic performance on caregivers who attended school meetings (p=0.034), encouraging respondents to always work hard (p=0.034), caregivers who are role models to respondents (p=0.052) and respondents being taught life skills by caregivers (p=0.006). The results revealed that the effect size between subjects was substantial and had effects from baseline to midline F=33.348 d=.353 (CI=-1.460 - -.709) and midline to end line at F=61.449 d = .502 (CI= -1.907 - -1.132). National policy makers (Ministry of Education/KICD)implement inclusion of sign language in the curriculum taught in schools and exclusion of school based counselors. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3398 Files in this item: 1
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Chege, Evalyne Njoki (Daystar University, School of Communication, October , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate how three Kenyan newspapers are managing the digital disruption, and sought to answer three research questions; 1) What is the impact of the mobile phone and Internet technologies on Kenyan daily newspapers? 2) What strategic responses are being executed by Kenyan daily newspapers in response to the digital disruption occasioned by the internet and the mobile phone? 3) What are the key influences behind these strategic responses, business models and proposed revenue streams? A qualitative approach was employed to conduct this research through a multiple case study research method. A multiple case study was used with the intention of testing the same research questions within different contexts while applying the same data generation techniques and analysis for each context. Three Kenyan dailies were studied in this research. The data generation tools included; in-depth interviews with 23 senior executives and senior editors, document reviews and participant observations. This inquiry found that the Kenyan newspapers under study are currently executing four main strategies in response to the digital disruption: protecting the old business, alternative sources of revenue, pivot to digital and culture change. Based on the findings, this study concludes that the Kenyan newspaper industry has yet to disrupt itself in the wake of increasing digitisation, and instead continues to grapple with challenges of digital disruption. Several recommendations are presented in this study, including the suggestion to normalise research to allow newspapers to understand their audiences. Areas for further research include a study on media consumption habits of Kenyan audiences Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3385 Files in this item: 1
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Mwaringa, Daniel Katama (Daystar University, School of Communication, November , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: This study investigated the youth’s uses of mobile phones and how this use impacted on communication in the family. As an agent of socialization, the family is the custodian of values, beliefs and practices. The study examined the technology’s impact on youth’s everyday communication with their parents and the relationship between the use of mobile phones in the sustenance of family values and relationships in the family. Guided by the Symbolic Interactionism Theory which emphasizes that people’s behavior is based on personal social constructs, the study examined how selected individuals in Mvita Sub County in Mombasa County responded to the meanings they constructed as they interacted using mobile phones. Using the Phenomenology research design, the study purposively sampled 12 households comprising of 13 youth respondents and 15 parental figures who were subjected to in-depth interviews whose data was analyzed qualitatively. The findings revealed that most youth preferred mobile phone communication with their families demonstrating decreased desire for the face to face interaction. Most youth in this study revealed that they were freer in communicating with their parents on phone as opposed to face to face. A majority of the parents stated that mobile phones had a deleterious effect on family ways of life. The youth conveniently and deceptively used technology to an extent of generating certain negative interactive behaviors. The study diagnosed such negative behaviors from this disruptive technology as symptomatic of ‘Mobileosis’ which is characterized by a layered dialectical tension among the users-the entrapped enamored youths and their almost clueless parents who were silenced in expressing their disapproval of the impact of the phone usage practices. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3378 Files in this item: 1
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Ngesa, Maureen Onyango (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, August , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: This quasi-experimental study tested the efficacy of a Modified Complicated Grief Therapy (MCGT) in treating complicated grief (CG) among orphaned children in selected public primary schools in Siaya County. The study had 241 participants comprising orphaned children aged 10-15 years. The participants were grouped into treatment and control groups, and only the treatment group received 12 weeks of the MCGT intervention. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the participants’ grief prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics. Pearson correlation coefficient (p) and linear regression helped to determine the risk factors associated with CG, while t-tests were used to assess the efficacy of the MCGT intervention. The prevalence of grief among the participants was 66%. Over half of the participants were paternal orphans (56.5%), most had lost their parents through sickness (74.2%), and almost half had also lost a sibling (48.9%). The number of siblings, separation from siblings, and perceived level of closeness to deceased mother (prior to her death) showed significant association with CG. In contrast, age, gender, perceived level of closeness to deceased father (before his death), and cultural factors did not show significant association with CG. The MCGT was effective in the reduction of CG symptoms with an average total reduction of 16.75 points in the 12 weeks, and a weekly average reduction of 1.29 scores. The study recommends that MCGT be included as a component in all programs targeting orphaned and vulnerable children, be adopted as a school-based grief program, and be used in capacity building for guidance and counseling teachers and practicing therapists. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3377 Files in this item: 1
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Owino, Ruth (Daystar University, School of Communication, May , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: This study sought to critically analyse the strategic and political dimensions of government communication by focusing on PSCU, OGS, and Ministry of ICT. The objectives were to; Determine the structures and processes of communication, Investigate whether communication is strategically managed; Examine the role of the political system on the operations of communication; and, the extent to which government communication facilitates citizen participation. The study was grounded on excellence and deliberative democracy theories. A single-case (embedded) design was adopted and the target population was the communication professionals working at PSCU, OGS, and Ministry of ICT. Data was collected through interviews, questionnaires and document analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data was thematically analysed. The study found out that government communication was transitional, its structures were defined by the existing political power and governance structure. The structures and processes were decentralized, fragmented and tactical. The findings indicated that government communication lacked the overarching strategy, was poorly coordinated and had short-term plans hence contradicting messages. The findings also indicated that there were two cadres of professionals: political appointees and civil servants, however the two cadres were not well managed and coordinated. Further the study found out that the internet provided new possibilities for transparency and citizen engagement, it provided new ways and channels of information dissemination and interaction. Government communication should be professionalised, be based on frameworks and policies that are encultured on the precept of strategic communication. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Communication URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3376 Files in this item: 1
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Kibuthu, Rosemary Wangui (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, October , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: Men who have sex with men remain at great risk of HIV and AIDS infection. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of multimodal therapy (MMT) in risky sexual behaviour reduction in HIV and AIDS prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Nairobi County, Kenya. A quasi-experimental non-equivalent control-group design with baseline and end line assessments was adapted, targeting a population of 4000 MSM. The sample size was 188: experimental, 94, and the control group, 94. Two sites: HOYMAS (experimental group) and Ishtar (control group), were purposely selected but randomly assigned to the respective groups. For data collection, the Family Health International (FHI, 2000) Behavioural Surveillance Survey (BSS) questionnaire was adapted, and analysis of the data was done using causal-comparative and inferential statistics. The study findings showed that MMT was effective in reducing HIV and AIDS risky sexual behaviour transmission among MSM in Kenya (p<0.0001). Group mean estimates on consistent condom use in the experimental group and that of multiple sexual partners’ was statistically significant at P<0.0001. Further, age, religion, education, and marital status were associated with consistent condom use at p<0.05. Additionally, sexual impulse, MSM social affiliations, and HAART were reported to be the greatest barriers to HIV and AIDS risky behaviour change among the respondents at p=0.022. Finally, respondents already doing something to prevent HIV and AIDS spread were found to be more likely to use a condom consistently and avoid multiple partners (p=0.004). The study recommends the need for HIV and AIDS prevention stakeholders, including the Kenya government, to adapt MMT as a personalized self-help HIV and AIDS transmission prevention strategy for those not infected. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3374 Files in this item: 1
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Gathuci, Rahab W. (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, October , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: In many universities, there is a struggle with the issue of students’ alcohol use resulting in alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study sought to establish the efficacy of Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapy in reducing AUD among Mount Kenya University (MKU) students. The study was guided by the social learning and stages of change theories. Quasi-experimental research design and quantitative methods of data collection were used. A sample of 105 respondents, aged 18-26 years, with an average age of 22 years was selected through stratified purposeful sampling. In order to assess for the efficacy of MI, a social-demographic questionnaire was used to capture respondents’ demographic information, a Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) to screen for depression, a Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to screen for anxiety, and an AUD Identification Test (AUDIT) to screen for AUD. Depression and anxiety were the comorbidity disorders of interest in this study. Screening was done at baseline, midline, and end line. The data was collected from two MKU campuses: Nairobi and Nakuru and was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23. As per the results, the male respondents with AUD were higher (10.9%) as opposed to the female ones (5.5%); the prevalence of AUD among the respondents was 16.3%; and MI therapy was efficacious in reducing symptoms of AUD among the respondents (p=0.0001). It is recommended that counselors in universities apply MI for the effective intervention of AUD among the university students. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3373 Files in this item: 1
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Mugambi, Priscilla (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, October , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents thus, necessitating effective interventional measures for those at risk. The effectiveness of DBT PE in the Kenyan population had not been ascertained before this study. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE) in treating Suicidal Behavior (SB) among adolescents with SB, Depressive Disorders (DD), and Posttraumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) in Nairobi County. The study objectives were to establish the prevalence of SB, DD, and PTSD; determine the severity of SB; examine the risk factors for SB; assess the relationship between PTSD and DD; and evaluate the efficacy of DBT PE in treating SB. Both cognitive-behavioral and biosocial theories were used to inform the development and intervention for the disorders. The quasi-experimental design was used. Data was collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, and Beck's Depression Inventory. From the 1,040 students who were assessed at baseline, a study sample of 104 students was purposively selected. The experimental group received DBT PE treatment but the control group did not. Both groups were evaluated from baseline, midline to end-line. Data was keyed into statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24 and analyzed. The study established SB prevalence (21.5%) and that of comorbid DD, PTSD and SB (15.0%). SB, DD, and PTSD had a significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.48 to 0.653, p <0.001). The efficacy of DBT PE was established in treatment of SB, DD and PTSD. The study recommends early assessment of the disorders in schools and inclusion of DBT PE in life skills lessons and in the Kenya national suicide prevention plan for the treatment of adolescents and young adults. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3367 Files in this item: 1
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Ochieng-Munda, Preskilla Akoth (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, October , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: Adolescents living in informal settlements are likely to be exposed to multiple traumatic events, possibly leading to disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study assessed the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) in alleviating PTSD symptoms among adolescents living in informal settlements in Kajiado County, Kenya. Functional descriptive model of posttraumatic growth and organismic valuing process theories were applied in the study carried out at Embulbul and Enoomatasiani primary schools. Through simple random sampling, a sample of 212 was achieved, and via quasi-experimental design, the schools were purposely sampled and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS-5-R) was applied to include participants aged 10-14 years in grades 5-7 and with scores of 31 to 60. The experimental group received 10 weekly CBITS sessions. Both groups were assessed at baseline, midline, and end line using SDQ, CPSS-5-R, MSPSS, and PTGI-C-R. The study data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as ANOVA, with the aid of SPSS version 20. PTSD was found to have a prevalence rate of 40.8% whereas gender was associated with PTSD: males n=90; mean=42.02: 95% CI [40.18-43.91]; females n=104; 45.56: 95% CI [43.61-47.50], (F1,192)=6.577, p=0.011). There was a difference [F(1,192)=7.796, p=0.006] between the respondents who had experienced physical violence (n=121; mean=45.40: 95% CI [43.65-47.16]) and those who had not (n=71; mean=41.48: 95% CI [39.37-43.59]). A positive correlation [0.331(p<0.001)] was found between absenteeism and PTSD, and CBITS was found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD [t(94)=-6.935, p=0.000]. The findings can be applied by the Kenya Ministry of Health to revamp policies that enhance access to psychological care for adolescents. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3362 Files in this item: 1
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Ndegwa, Jacinta (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, October , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: Depression is common among university students and despite the methods provided for its intervention, the prevalence of depression among university students remains higher than in the general population. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Social Skills Training (SST) as an intervention for depression among university students in two Kenyan public universities. The study was informed by Lewinsohn’s behavioral theory of depression (Lewinsohn, 1974) and Wendy Treynor's theory of Depression (Treynor, 2009). Quasi-experimental research design was utilized with purposive sampling technique. A sample size of 273 participants for both Social Skills Training (SST) (n=136) and control (n=137) groups. The study data was collected using a social demographic questionnaire and the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). The reliability and validity of the instruments used were noted to be excellent. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. Means of the data from experimental and control groups were compared at baseline, at three months and at six months after intervention. The findings showed that the students who went through the SST intervention were found to have a significant reduction of depression levels compared to those who did not go through the intervention. This indicated that the mean differences between the two groups was significant (P=0.0001). From the findings, the study concluded that SST is an effective intervention for depression among university students. This study then makes a recommendation to the universities’ management to adopt and implement a SST program among the students. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3355 Files in this item: 1
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Rukunga, Caroline K. (Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences, October , 2020)
[more][less]Abstract: Children affected by HIV-related loss go through considerable levels of physical and psychosocial challenges which may result into psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Art Therapy in treating depression and anxiety in children of ages 8-12, with HIV- related loss in Chosen Children of Promise (CCP) and Amka Health Project (AHP), in Nairobi County, Kenya. A quasi-experimental research design involving experimental and control groups was conducted using 100 participants, 50 from each organization who met the inclusion criteria. Simple random sampling procedure was used to select the required sample size. The research instruments included social demographic questionnaire, Children Depression Inventory (CDI), and Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED). The reliability and validity of the above instruments is assured as studies have indicated that SCARED has good psychometric properties for children and adolescents of different cultures and CDI has good psychometric properties of a=.71-.94. Art Therapy (AT), specifically Tree of Life (ToL) was used to treat Anxiety and Depression. Study findings revealed a depression prevalence of 58.1% and an anxiety prevalence of 88.6%. The DiD estimates showed a declining trend on depression and anxiety scores of the participants depicting a highly statistically significant reduction in symptoms at endline (p= <0.0001), implying that Art Therapy was effective in treating both disorders. It is recommended that organizations and individuals dealing with children affected by HIV-related loss can offer them culturally and developmentally appropriate evidence-based interventions in order to promote their psychological well-being. Description: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3353 Files in this item: 1