Pillars of Strength: How Support Systems Shape the Mental Well-being of Single Parents in Woodley Ward, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Single parents often face socioeconomic challenges that place them at heightened risk of poor mental well-being. This study examined how social support systems, alongside other socioeconomic factors, influence the mental health of single parents in Woodley Ward, Nairobi County, Kenya. Guided by the ecological systems theory and the transactional theory of stress and coping, a descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Using simple random sampling, 278 single parents participated in the study, and data were collected through a mixed-methods approach. Results indicated that coping mechanisms (β = 0.49, p < 0.001) and income levels (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) were the strongest positive predictors of mental well-being. Access to support systems also significantly improved mental health outcomes (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), while a higher number of dependents negatively impacted wellbeing (β = –0.19, p < 0.001). Employment type had a modest but significant effect (β = –0.10, p = 0.048), with stable jobs slightly reducing stress. The findings highlight the essential role of accessible and effective support networks in enhancing resilience and reducing psychological distress among single parents. The study recommends integrating targeted mental health awareness and social support initiatives into community health services to strengthen the well-being of single-parent households. Keywords: Support Systems, mental well-being, single parent, Kenya