Frontiers in Public Health (Sep 2023)

Group-based psychoeducational workshop for parents in Kenya: findings from a pilot study

  • Rediet Emebet Getnet Alemu,
  • Rediet Emebet Getnet Alemu,
  • Hilda Nyatete,
  • Rosine Baseke,
  • Veronicah Ngatia,
  • Tom L. Osborn,
  • Christine M. Wasanga,
  • Christine M. Wasanga

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1223804
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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IntroductionLow levels of mental health literacy amongst parents can have negative effects on youth mental wellbeing and help-seeking behaviors. Here, we explored the impact of a brief psychoeducational workshop on improving parent mental health literacy and family relationships in Kibera, a low-resource high-risk setting in Nairobi, Kenya.MethodsThe workshop was designed to address this issue, and it was delivered by trained facilitators to small groups of parents (N = 72). Data was collected at baseline, post-workshop, two-week follow-up, and one-month follow-up.ResultsStatistical and thematic analysis of the data revealed significant improvements in parent mental health literacy scores and family relationships, indicating the acceptability and effectiveness of this workshop.DiscussionThe findings suggest that brief, group-based psychoeducational workshops can be effective in improving parent mental health literacy and family relationships, thereby addressing challenges faced by parents and youth in the Kenyan context. Future studies are needed to conclusively determine if such workshops can improve participants’ own mental health or their perception of child behavior.

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