NIJAMSS peer-reviewed article

Interventions to Improve Mental Health Literacy Among Secondary School Students in Homa Bay County

Oyoo Monica Anne Achieng

Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in four Kenyans experiences a mental health problem, with depression and anxiety symptoms being the most prevalent. Among secondary school students, prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms are 28.1% and 38% nationally. Prevalence of depression symptoms among students is 44.8% in Kakamega County while Kisii and Migori Counties record 23% and 23.6% respectively. In Homa Bay County, these rates are notably higher, at 57.5% for depression and 49.4% for anxiety. Such figures highlight the urgent need for interventions given the academic, social, and health implications of untreated mental health conditions. Previous studies show that Mental Health Literacy (MHL) is positively correlated to mental well-being. This necessitated a study on interventions that can be put in place to improve MHL. The study was anchored on Health Belief Model, Social Cognitive Theory. Descriptive research design was employed. The study population was 131,749 students from form1 (F1) to form 4 (F4). Stratified random and purposive sampling were used to select 400 respondents using Yamane’s formula. Data were collected using a questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGDs). A pilot study was conducted among 30 students. Reliability of the instruments was established using test–retest method and Pearson’s correlation and Cronbach’s alpha were used to determine the reliability coefficients. Face and content validity of the instruments were ascertained by experts in the area of Educational Psychology. Quantitative data was analyzed using means and percentages. Qualitative data was transcribed, categorized and reported thematically. Results showed that MHL programme was the most effective (M = 3.52, SD = .65) and use of school computers the least effective (M = 2.71, SD = .89). It was concluded that MHL programme was the best strategy to improve MHL. It was recommended that schools teach MHL. Findings of this study are expected to inform development of policies to improve levels of MHL and mental well-being among students in secondary schools.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Interventions; Literacy; Mental health

Journal

Nexus International Journal of Applied Science, Medicine and Social Sciences

e-ISSN

3144-2196

Publication date

August 2026

Volume / Issue

Vol. 1, Issue 2

Paper number

013

Article type

Original Research

Published paper ID

NIJAMSS-V1S2-AUG2026-013

Publisher

Nexus Academic Press

Access

Open Access

Full text PDF: https://www.nijamss.org/archives-download/nijamss-vol-1-series-2-august-2026-paper-013.pdf