Policy Brief: Mental health and psychological well-being of Kenyan adolescents in the context of COVID-19

Background

Globally, adolescents are vulnerable to mental health problems, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to impoverished living conditions and a higher prevalence of chronic
conditions such as HIV/AIDS in the region. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this
risk. Given the paucity of literature assessing the mental health and psychosocial well-being of
adolescents in Kenya, The Institute for Human Development at The Aga Khan University carried
out a study to generate an evidence base for understanding levels of psychosocial distress and
their correlates among adolescents.