Role of Psychosocial Support Ecosystems in Mitigating Psychological Distress Among Bereaved Street Families in Eldoret City, Kenya

Abstract

Bereavement among street families occurs within conditions of homelessness, poverty, violence, discrimination, social exclusion and limited access to formal psychosocial care, increasing vulnerability to psychological distress. This study examined the role of psychosocial support ecosystems in mitigating psychological distress among bereaved street families in Eldoret City, Kenya. Specifically, it examined the level of psychological distress and the roles of government and non-governmental interventions, as well as community support. The study was guided by Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) and Social Support Theory (Cassel, 1976; Cobb, 1976; House, 1981). A mixed-methods approach using a convergent parallel design was adopted. The study involved 91 participants, comprising 79 bereaved street-family members and 12

key informants from government departments, faith institutions, hospitals and non- governmental organisations. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule,

a key informant interview guide, and an observation checklist. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 26, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed a moderate level of psychological distress among bereaved street families (weighted mean = 3.44), with substance use emerging as the most pronounced indicator of distress (M = 4.34, SD = 1.04). Respondents reported employing both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies, providing contextual insights into their responses to bereavement. Government interventions were perceived to have a low contribution towards mitigating psychological distress (weighted mean = 2.23), while non-governmental interventions were perceived to contribute moderately (weighted mean = 2.65). Community support also recorded a low perceived contribution (weighted mean = 2.23), reflecting challenges associated with stigma, discrimination, inconsistent assistance, and weak coordination of support systems. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed statistically significant positive relationships between psychological distress and government interventions (r = .40, p < .001), non-governmental interventions (r = .34, p = .002), and community support (r = .70, p < .001), with community support demonstrating the strongest association. Qualitative findings further revealed fragmented psychosocial services, inconsistent access to support, and inadequate coordination among service providers. The study concludes that psychosocial support ecosystems are important but fragmented,

inconsistent and under-resourced. The study recommends strengthening trauma- informed counselling services, enhancing multisector collaboration among government

and non-governmental actors, reducing stigma through community awareness programs, expanding outreach services, and developing inclusive bereavement support policies for street-connected populations in Kenya and similar settings.