A dataset of the mental health and wellbeing of Kenyan adolescents

This article presents data on the mental health and wellbeing of 2,192 Kenyan adolescents collected using self-reported questionnaires administered at four secondary schools in Nairobi and Kiambu counties. The data was collected using a range of validated scales to access for depression (PHQ-8), anxiety (GAD-7), gratitude (GQ-6), social support (MSPSS), perceived control (PCS), happiness and optimism (EPOCH). Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and R, and results are reported in terms of frequencies and percentages of responses. Linear mixed models were used to determine factors significantly associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. The study provides a platform for future research into factors associated with depression and anxiety in Kenyan adolescents, and policymakers and mental health actors can use the results to design interventions that promote mental health in this population.