Correlation of Psychosocial Support Concerns and Depression in Deaf Adults at Nairobi and Kajiado Counties, Kenya

Abstract

The Deaf are considered persons with disabilities due to societal stigma resulting in inequality and discrimination. The sequential mixed methodology utilized a cross-sectional approach, with interviews translated and administered in Kenyan Sign Language. The MMSE screened for mental status, while PHQ-9 assessed for depression and WSAS for Psychosocial Support Concerns (PSS) concerns. Researcher-designed in-depth interviews and explored qualitative themes. In addition, Focus Group Discussions, ethnographic observation checklists, and mental health providers’ key informant interviews corroborated the data. Deaf adults (N=100, 83% response rate) reported inadequate counseling access (62%), while 55% reported no depression. However, 45% depicted clinically significant depression levels, with 28% of Deaf adults also indicating suicidality. Content analyses revealed family, socioeconomic welfare and stigma as the top PSS concerns. The study found a significant positive correlation between depression and overall PSS concerns at 0.225 (p=0.024) and home management PSS concern with depression at 0.253 (p=0.011). ANOVA analyses revealed statistically significant differences between the depression categories’ effects on PSS concerns, F = 3.22, p =.026. T-tests analyses indicated that means for None and Mild Depression (M=8.93, SD=8.80) were significantly lower than for Severe depression, t (13) = -3.16, p = .007, 95% CI [-15.15, -2.85]; and Moderately Severe (M=12.64, SD=7.40) were significantly lower than for Severe depression, t (13) -2.67, p = .019, 95% CI [-9.57, -1.00]. The study's implications are to design Deaf-friendly assessments. The study recommends Deaf-centric interventions and, for further research, a national census on Deaf mental health and the development of instruments normed for Kenyan Deaf populations.