Group therapy eases depression in Kenyan teen mothers
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Researchers in Kenya found that group therapy significantly reduced depression among pregnant and parenting adolescents. The study, conducted in Nairobi, involved 122 girls aged 13 to 18 who were receiving care at maternal and child health clinics.
The team tested group interpersonal psychotherapy, an approach focusing on relationships and social support, to address the high rates of mental health challenges faced by young mothers in the country. Participants received either standard care, four sessions of therapy, or eight sessions.
Those who completed the full eight-session program experienced an average reduction in depression scores from 12.4 to 2.2, representing an 83% decrease in symptoms. Even the shorter, four-session intervention showed positive results, reducing scores from 11.6 to 3.9, a 66% improvement. Adolescents receiving only standard care saw a much smaller reduction, from 11.0 to 7.9. The researchers emphasize that Kenya, with only around 150 psychiatrists for over 50 million people, faces a significant shortage of mental health professionals.
This study demonstrates that trained community health workers, supervised by psychologists and nurses, can effectively deliver psychological care within existing primary healthcare systems. By integrating these services into maternal and child health clinics, Kenya can improve access to mental healthcare and support the wellbeing of young mothers and their children.
