Introduction:

Depression is the most common illness worldwide with Kenya being raked at position 4 in Africa where approximately 1.9 million people are living with the condition. Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015-2030), mental health conditions are rapidly rising and there?s need for concerted efforts in curbing its progression. Transgender (TG) people have higher rates of mental health exposure compared to general population due to distress and impairment. Psychosocial support groups (PSSGs) are among the pathways in alleviating mental health issues. 

Methods

Progressive data for 160 TG people with mental disorder at SWOP clinic was analyzed for the period October 2021 to September 2022 including demographic data, clinical characteristics and mental screening status. Mental status screening was done using a Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ 9) score that has three categories; Severe, Mild and moderate depression. PHQ-9 screening is conducted during enrollment and post PSSG sessions. Data was analyzed in tables and pie charts using SPSS. 

Results

At the end of PSSG sessions, a post evaluation session is conducted on each client to determine the impact. At enrollment, 26(16.3%) clients had mild depression, 73(45.6%) had moderate depression while 61(38.3%) had moderate severe depression. 

A total of 158(93.8%) clients successfully completed the PSSG sessions with only 2(6.2%) dropping off during the process. A total of 128(81%) had mild depression post PSSG sessions while 30(19%) had moderate depression and none had severe depression. 

Conclusion

The number of clients with severe depression at enrollment to PSSG had dropped to none post PSSG sessions an indication that the sessions were impactful. Clients with mild depression at enrollment rose from 26(16.3%) to 128(81%) by end of the PSSG sessions. 

Well-structured and supported PSSGs have proven to be a major driver towards alleviating mental disorders among TGs by reducing self-stigma and general negative perception from general the population.