Abstract:
Emotional and behavioral problems (EBP) during childhood and adolescence are a
common concern for parents and mental health stakeholders. However, little has been
documented about their prevalence in Kenyan children and adolescents. This study aimed
to close this gap. The study included Child Behavior Checklist reports from 1022
Kenyan parents on their children (ages 6-18 years) and Youth Self-Reports from 533
adolescents (ages 12-18) living in Kenya's Central Province. EBP in Kenya are highly
prevalent compared to multi-cultural standards for parent reports, with 27 and 17%
scoring in the borderline and clinical range, respectively. Based on parent reports,
younger children scored higher on EBP than older children, and higher on internalizing
problems. Based on self-reports girls scored higher than boys, particularly on
internalizing problems. The study provides evidence on elevated parent-reported EBP in
Kenyan youths. Mental health providers should focus on interventions that reduce EBP
in Kenyan youths.