Prevalence of Mental Health Challenges among Public Service Vehicles Drivers in Nairobi County
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Abstract
The study aim was to determine prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among PSV drivers in Nairobi County. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was used with self-administration questionnaires. The research tools used included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to measure psychological distress, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) to assess resilience, and the Brief COPE Inventory to evaluate coping strategies. The study sampled 265 PSV drivers from West Madaraka SACCO in Nairobi County. Findings revealed alarmingly high prevalence rates of depression (86.8%), anxiety (90.2%), and stress (69.4%), with 66.4% of participants experiencing all three disorders concurrently. The study recommends the incorporation of mental health programs for high-stress occupations, particularly in the public transport sector. It is also recommended that further research be conducted to explore long-term effects and the feasibility of implementing such interventions on a larger scale within the industry. Additionally, policy interventions should be developed to address the systemic stressors faced by PSV drivers to promote sustained improvements in mental health and well-being.
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