Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress and associated risk factors among young adults in Mathare slums, Nairobi County, Kenya

This cross-sectional study among 404 young adults (18–29 years) in Mathare slums, Nairobi, found high levels of mental health challenges, with anxiety affecting 43.1% of participants and depression and stress each affecting 32.2%. Mental health outcomes were significantly associated with gender, employment status, income, and COVID-19-related income changes, while age was additionally linked to anxiety. Lower income and female gender increased the likelihood of depression and stress, whereas stable income during the pandemic was protective. The findings highlight an urgent need for targeted mental health services, education, and economic empowerment interventions for young adults living in urban informal settlements.

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