Social Media Use Patterns and Mental Health Outcomes Among Sexual and Gender Minority University Students in Western Kenya: A Mixed Methods Study
Lydiah O. Amgechi, Edward Okaya, Manson Sichari & James Bill Ouda
Department of Educational Psychology
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4255-6608
Email: lamgechi@gmail.com
Abstract: Social media has become an invaluable channel through which Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) university students seek identity affirmation, social support and community belonging. However, these platforms may also expose users to cyberbullying, discrimination, hate speech and negative social comparison that adversely affect mental health outcomes. Despite increasing global attention and evidence, empirical research on this relationship in the Kenyan context remains limited. This study investigated the relationship between social media use patterns and mental health outcomes among Sexual and Gender Minority undergraduate students in universities in Western Kenya. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 142 SGM undergraduate students using a semi- structured questionnaire incorporating the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). Qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative were analysed thematically. Findings from both strands were integrated to provide a comprehensive understanding of participants’ experiences. Through multiple linear regression, they demonstrated a significant relationship between social media use patterns and mental health outcomes among SGM students, with a dual effect of positive and negative outcomes. The study concludes that social media serves as both a protective resource and a psychological risk factor for SGM university students. It recommends that higher education institutions strengthen inclusive mental health services, foster safe and affirming digital environments and implement policies that protect SGM students from online discrimination and harassment.
