Home

Voices from the Youth in Kenya Addressing Mental Health Gaps and Recommendations.

This study highlights the mental health challenges faced by adolescents and young people (AYP) in Kenya and proposes solutions to address service gaps. Through an AYP-led meeting with stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, academic institutions, and partner organizations, challenges were categorized into legislative, service provider, and individual-level factors. Key recommendations included increasing insurance financing, strengthening community interventions, establishing adolescent-friendly spaces, enhancing telehealth services, and improving mental health policies and service delivery structures.

Read Full Publication
Download Document

Document Details

  • Product TypePeer Reviewed Publication
  • Authorship:Co-Author
Authors: Peter Memiah 1,*,Fernando A. Wagner 2,Robert Kimathi 3,Naomi Idah Anyango 4,Samuel Kiogora 4,Stella Waruinge 5,Faith Kiruthi 5,Shillah Mwavua 5,Celina Kithinji 6,Jeremiah Okuto Agache 7,Wincolyne Mangwana 8,Niyibeshaho Marie Merci 8,Leonidah Ayuma 8,Samuel Muhula 9,Yvonne Opanga 9ORCID,Maureen Nyambura 4,Annrita Ikahu 3 and Lillian Otiso 3
Institutional Affiliations: 1 Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Baltimore; 2 School of Social Work, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore; 3 LVCT Health, Nairobi; 4 Ministry of Health Kenya, Nairobi; 5 Nairobi Metropolitan Services, Nairobi; 6 Mombasa County Department of Health; 7 Kisumu County Department of Health; 8 Youth Advisory Champions for Health; 9 Amref Health Africa in Kenya
  • Themes:Adolescents and Young Adults,Digital Health,Mental Health,Participatory Research

Journal Name: MDPI

  • Date: Published20220428

Share

Explore More Publications by Yvonne Opanga

Co-Author

Use of the Manyatta Model to Promote Uptake of Family Planning in Hard-to-Reach Communities in Samburu County, Kenya

The Manyatta Model, implemented through the DESIP project in Samburu

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Primary Health Care, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
Authors: Happiness Oruko, John Kutna, Raphaella Ekiru. Lennox Kabuga, Felix Maasanda, Anne Gitimu, Yvonne Opanga
Authors' Affiliations: Amref Health Africa in Kenya
Journal Name: East African Journal of Health and Science
Date Published: 20241206
Read Full Publication
Main Author

Patient satisfaction with health care service delivery in Primary Healthcare facilities in an arid and semi-arid context in Kenya

Patient satisfaction with primary healthcare (PHC) services in Turkana County

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Pastoralists, Primary Health Care, Quality of Care
Authors: Yvonne Opanga, Chris Barasa, Jane Sydney, Mercy Mwangangi, Gilbert Wangalwa, Emmanuel Musombi, Lopodo Ekal, Sarah Ekiru, Gilchrist Lokoel, Mark Mwanja, Aloise Gikunda, Jarim Omogi, Anthony Arasio, Richard Kiplimo, Evans Osembo, Risper Walumbe, Peter Memiah, Meshack Ndirangu
Authors' Affiliations: Amref Health Africa in Kenya
Date Published: 20241121
Read Full Publication
Co-Author

Mental health issues associated with the management of tuberculosis in Homabay, Busia and Kakamega Counties

Mental health issues, particularly anxiety  and depression , are common

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Infectious Diseases, Mental Health, Non Communicable Diseases, Tuberculosis
Authors: John Otieno, Albino Luciani, Sheila Lumumba, George Gikunda, Colleta Kiilu, Norah Ogutu, Bryson Sifuma, Dennis Kinyua, Diana Mukami, Catherine Mwenda, Aiban Ronoh, Yvonne Opanga
Journal Name: PLOS One
Date Published: 20240416
Read Full Publication
Co-Author

Insights of Healthcare Workers and Community Members on Mental Health Perception and Practices in Meru County, Kenya.

Mental health remains a neglected issue in Kenya, with limited

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Mental Health
Authors: Kiilu, C., Opanga, Y., Musembi, J., Mukami, D., Mwenda, C., Waruinge, S., Kimathi, G., & Memiah, P
Authors' Affiliations: Amref Health Africa, University of Maryland
Journal Name: East African Journal of Health and Science
Date Published: 20240306
Read Full Publication
Main Author

Critical Success Factors for Deployment of Primary Health Care Networks and their Impact in Kenya

The Kenyan government, through the Bottom-up Economic Transformational Agenda (BETA),

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Primary Health Care
Authors: Opanga, Y., Kassim, S., Wangalwa, G., Gikunda, A., Musombi, E., Gitimu, A., Ntwiga, I., & Ndirangu, M
Authors' Affiliations: Amref Health Africa in Kenya
Journal Name: East African Journal of Health and Science
Date Published: 20240116
Read Full Publication
Main Author

Embracing Community Participatory Research Approach: The Role of Community Advisory Boards for Research in Conceptualisation of the Enkanyit Ontooyie Menstrual Hygiene Study in Kajiado and Narok Counties, Kenya

Every year, school girls in arid and semi-arid regions of

Product Type: Blog Article
Themes: Adolescents and Young Adults, Participatory Research, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, WASH
Authors: Yvonne Opanga, Bernard Mbogo, Joyce Wanjira, Stephen Okumu, Caroline Akinyi
Authors' Affiliations: Affiliation: Amref Health Africa in Kenya Research and RMNCAH Program Teams
Date Published: 20230515
Read Full Publication
Main Author

Enablers and Barriers to Chlorhexidine Use in Umbilical Cord Care: Voices of Care Givers and Healthcare Providers in Selected Counties in Kenya

This study explored barriers and enablers to chlorhexidine (CHX) use

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Public Health, RMNCAH
Authors: Yvonne Opanga, Sarah Karanja, Zena Abdullahi, Richard Gichuki, Aneesa Ahmed, Viola Tupeiya, Daniel Omolo, Happiness Oruko, Mercy Mutua, Samuel Muhula, Elizabeth Wala, Dorcas Indalo
Authors' Affiliations: Amref Health Africa in Kenya, WelTel International mHealth Society, Amref Health Africa in Kenya, PHASTAR, Options Consultancy Services
Journal Name: East African Journal of Health and Science
Date Published: 20221207
Read Full Publication
Co-Author

Voices from the Youth in Kenya Addressing Mental Health Gaps and Recommendations.

This study highlights the mental health challenges faced by adolescents

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Adolescents and Young Adults, Digital Health, Mental Health, Participatory Research
Authors: Peter Memiah 1,*,Fernando A. Wagner 2,Robert Kimathi 3,Naomi Idah Anyango 4,Samuel Kiogora 4,Stella Waruinge 5,Faith Kiruthi 5,Shillah Mwavua 5,Celina Kithinji 6,Jeremiah Okuto Agache 7,Wincolyne Mangwana 8,Niyibeshaho Marie Merci 8,Leonidah Ayuma 8,Samuel Muhula 9,Yvonne Opanga 9ORCID,Maureen Nyambura 4,Annrita Ikahu 3 and Lillian Otiso 3
Authors' Affiliations: 1 Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Baltimore; 2 School of Social Work, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore; 3 LVCT Health, Nairobi; 4 Ministry of Health Kenya, Nairobi; 5 Nairobi Metropolitan Services, Nairobi; 6 Mombasa County Department of Health; 7 Kisumu County Department of Health; 8 Youth Advisory Champions for Health; 9 Amref Health Africa in Kenya
Journal Name: MDPI
Date Published: 20220428
Read Full Publication
Co-Author

Highlighting a Digital Platform to Assess Young People Needs: Reaching and EngagingAdolescents and Young Adults for Care Continuum in Health Project (REACH).

In this study, the REACH-AYA digital survey app was developed

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: by Peter Memiah 1,*,Monica Lathan-Dye 2, Yvonne Opanga 3, Samuel Muhula 3, Nyawira Gitahi-Kamau 4, Anne Kamau 5 and Lillian Otiso 6
Authors' Affiliations: 1 Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA 2 2M Research Services, Arlington, TX 76011, USA 3 Amref Health Africa in Kenya, Nairobi P.O. Box 27691, Kenya 4 Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, KEMRI, Nairobi P.O. Box 54840, Kenya 5 Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197, Kenya 6 LVCT Health, Nairobi P.O. Box 19835, Kenya
Journal Name: MDPI
Date Published: 20220406
Read Full Publication
Co-Author

Hypertension and associated inflammatory markers among HIV Infected patients in Tanzania

This study explored the link between chronic inflammation and hypertension

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: HIV/AIDS, Hypertension, Non Communicable Diseases
Authors: Peter Memiah, Lillian Nkinda , Mtebe Majigo , Yvonne Opanga , Felix Humwa , Seth Inzaule , Maghimbi Abubakar , Patience Oduor , Aisha Zuheri , Steven Lema , Anne Kamau , Cyprien Baribwira , Sibhatu Biadgilign
Authors' Affiliations: University of Maryland, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam; Amref Health Africa in Kenya; University of California San Francisco, Nairobi, Kenya; University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; University of Maryland School of Medicine in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Infectious Disease Centre, Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Public Health Research Consultant, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Journal Name: Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research
Date Published: 20210814
Read Full Publication
Co-Author

Water, sanitation and hygiene coverage and practices of a semi-arid county in the Eastern region of Kenya

This study examined water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions in

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Public Health, Sanitation and Hygiene
Authors: Kioko Kithuki, Yvonne Opanga, Elda Watulo and Enock Marita
Authors' Affiliations: Amref Health Africa
Journal Name: Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development
Date Published: 20210104
Read Full Publication
Co-Author

Using Friendship Ties to Understand the Prevalence of, and Factors Associated With, Intimate Partner Violence Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Kenya

This study examined intimate partner violence (IPV) among adolescents and

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Sexual and Gender Based Violence
Authors: Peter Memiah 1 , PhD ; Anne Kamau 2 , PhD ; Yvonne Opanga 3 , DPhil ; Samuel Muhula 3 , PhD ; Emmanuel Nyakeriga 4 , MPH ; Felix Humwa 4 , BSc, MSc ; Courtney Cook 5 , BSc ; Caroline Kingori 6 , PhD ; Job Muriithi 2 , BA
Authors' Affiliations: 1 University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States 2 University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya 3 Amref Health in Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya 4 University of California, San Francisco, Nairobi, Kenya 5 Fortis Institute, Pensacola, FL, United States 6 Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
Journal Name: JMIR Publications
Date Published: 20201231
Read Full Publication
Co-Author

Neonatal, infant, and child mortality among women exposed to intimate partner violence in East Africa

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: RMNCAH, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
Authors: Peter Memiah, Tristi Bond, Yvonne Opanga, Caroline Kingori, Courtney Cook, Michelle Mwangi, Nyawira Gitahi-Kamau, Deus Mubangizi and Kevin Owuor
Authors' Affiliations: Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology (IHV): University of Maryland School of Medicine, Amref Health Africa, College of Health Sciences and Professions; Department of Social and Public Health, Ohio University Grover Center, Biology Department, University of West Florida; Department of Economics, University of Nairobi; Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, KEMRI, Kenya; University of Maryland; School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Centre for Health Solutions, Nairobi, Kenya
Journal Name: BMC Women's Health
Date Published: 20200123
Read Full Publication
Co-Author

Is sexual autonomy a protective factor for neonatal, child and infant mortality?

This study explored the association of sexual autonomy with neonatal,

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: RMNCAH, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
Authors: Peter Memiah, Yvonne Opanga, Tristi Bond, Courtney Cook, Michelle Mwangi, Jenna Fried, Marie A. Joseph, Kevin Owuor, Vernon Mochache Yvonne Wangui Machira
Journal Name: PLOS One
Date Published: 20190222
Read Full Publication
Co-Author

Use of performance dashboards in health care project management: a case of an international health development organization in Kenya

In this paper we document the use of dashboards in

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Project Management
Authors: Samuel Muhula, Yvonne Opanga, Maureen Kuyo, Zahida Qureshi, Peter Memiah, Meshack Ndirangu
Authors' Affiliations: Amref Health Africa
Journal Name: Africa Health Agenda International Journal
Date Published: 20180627
Read Full Publication
Co-Author

Stroke distribution patterns and characteristics in Kenya’s leading public health tertiary institutions: Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Non Communicable Diseases, Stroke
Authors: Lydia Kaduka, Anne Korir, Chrispine Owuor Oduor, Judith Kwasa, Jane Mbui, Sylvanos Wabwire, Robai Gakunga, Nathan Okerosi, Yvonne Opanga, Isaac Kisiang’ani, Mercy Rotich Chepkurui, Erastus Muniu, Scot C Remick
Journal Name: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa
Date Published: 20180331
Read Full Publication
Main Author

Double Burden of malnutrition among cancer outpatients in Nairobi, Kenya: challenges and opportunities for action.

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Cancer, Nutrition
Authors: Yvonne Opanga1,&, Lydia Kaduka2 , Erastus Muniu2 , Zipporah Bukania2 , Richard Mutisya2 , Ann Korir3 , Veronica Thuita4 , Catherine Nyongesa5 , Moses Mwangi2 , Charles Mbakaya6
Authors' Affiliations: 1Department of Monitoring, Evaluation and Research, Amref Health Africa in Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya, 2Centre for Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institution, Nairobi, Kenya, 3Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya, 4Department of Nutrition, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya, 5Texas Cancer Centre, Nairobi, Kenya, 6Rongo University, Migori, Kenya
Journal Name: Africa Health Agenda International Journal
Date Published: 20180213
Read Full Publication
Nutritional status of cancer outpatients using scored patient generated subjective global assessment in two cancer treatment centers, Nairobi, Kenya
Main Author

Nutritional status of cancer outpatients using scored patient generated subjective global assessment in two cancer treatment centers, Nairobi, Kenya

This paper examined the nutritional status of cancer outpatients in

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Cancer, Non Communicable Diseases, Nutrition
Authors: Yvonne Opanga, Lydia Kaduka, Zipporah Bukania, Richard Mutisya, Ann Korir, Veronica Thuita, Moses Mwangi, Erastus Muniu & Charles Mbakaya
Authors' Affiliations: KEMRI
Journal Name: BMC Nutrition
Date Published: 20170810
Read Full Publication
Weight changes and associated factors among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at a referral hospital in Kenya
Main Author

Weight changes and associated factors among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at a referral hospital in Kenya

This paper explores weight changes among breast cancer patients undergoing

Product Type: Peer Reviewed Publication
Themes: Cancer, Non Communicable Diseases, Nutrition
Authors: Yvonne Opanga, Sylvia Opanga, Richard Mutisya, Lydia Kaduka
Authors' Affiliations: KEMRI
Journal Name: African Journal of Pharmacology and therapeutics 2017;6(3):134–41.
Date Published: 20170101
Read Full Publication
Edit Template