RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCHOOL RELATED ASPECTS AND DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS AMONG TEENAGE STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EMBU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Teenage depression symptoms are on the increase globally, within and outside the school setting which calls for the need to understand the risk factors related to the symptoms in teenagers. This will enable school counsellors and other care givers to deal with the symptoms on their onset before the problem affects the school teenager’s personal, social, family and academic life. The current study investigated the relationship between school related aspects and depression symptoms among teenage students in public secondary schools in Embu County, Kenya. The study adopted a correlational research design. 275 teenage secondary school students were sampled randomly while 87 class teachers were selected purposively. Data was collected using two sets of questionnaires administered to the sampled students and the selected class teachers. Validity of the research instruments was enhanced using expert opinions. Reliability was estimated using Cronbanch’s alpha coefficient and a reliability coefficient of 0.885 and 0.842 was realized for the students’ and class teachers’ instruments respectively. Data was analysed using inferential statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The research hypothesis was tested using linear regression at α = 0.05 level of significance. The study findings revealed that was a statistically significant relationship between school related aspects and depression symptoms (r = 0.398, r² = 0.158, Unstandardized B = 0.414, t = 8.220, P = 0.000). The study findings also revealed that 47.5% of teenage secondary school students were experiencing depression symptoms. It was therefore recommended that school administrators, counsellors and teachers be sensitized on the relationship between school related aspects and depression symptoms for possible prevention and detection of the said symptoms. Psychological intervention for those already experiencing depression symptoms was also deemed necessary to alleviate the symptoms and prevent aggravation of the same, and avoid incapacitation of the affected teenagers.