Relationship between Demographic Variables and Generalized Anxiety Disorder among Single Mothers in Pentecostal Churches in Kibera Informal Settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2024-08
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Tangaza University
Abstract
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental disorder that may be induced by people, occasions, or different circumstances in one’s life. This study examined the relationship between demographic variables and generalized anxiety disorder among single mothers in Pentecostal Churches in Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study addressed three specific objectives which were; to establish the levels of generalized anxiety disorder among single mothers, to examine the relationship between demographic variables and generalized anxiety disorder among single mothers, and to assess the coping strategies for generalized anxiety disorder among single mothers in Pentecostal Churches in Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study employed the mixed method of research. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data. Interview guide was employed to collect qualitative data. The study employed simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The sample size of the study was 380 single mothers. The Lazaru’s (1993) stress theory and resiliency theory informed the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used to conduct the analysis. After the collection of qualitative data, through an audio recording of participants’ contents, transcription was done, and the systematic thematic analysis was carried out. Findings revealed that39.9% (n = 161) of single mothers scored severe level of generalized anxiety disorder, 34.5% (n = 139) of the single mothers were at moderate generalized anxiety disorder, 24.9% (n = 100) scored mild generalized anxiety disorder, while (0.7%, n = 3) of the single mothers were at low level of generalized anxiety disorder. There was a significant relationship between demographic variables of age, level of education, employment status and generalized anxiety disorder (p = 0.00 ≤ 0.05) among single mothers. Qualitative findings indicated that counseling, the practice of Christian spirituality, engaging in alcohol use and sharing with others were coping strategies for generalized anxiety disorder among single mothers in Pentecostal Churches in Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study recommended that the single mothers who were at mild, moderate and severe level of generalized anxiety disorder may be helped in counseling so as to possibly identify the underlying issues that could be responsible for moderate and severe levels of generalized anxiety disorder.