Authors: 1Nancy Nungari, 2Samuel Ojuade and 3Gooreka Okahaabwa
1Daystar University,
P.O. Box 44400-00100 Nairobi, Kenya.
Email: nancynngari@daystar.ac.ke
2Africa International University,
P.O Box 24686 – 00502, Nairobi-Kenya
Email: sammyjuade@yahoo.com
3Uganda Christian University,
P.O. Box 4, Mukono, Uganda
Email: okahaabwabagabe@gmail.com
Abstract
Low marital satisfaction is associated with negative impact on the individual, dyad and family. External stressors, such as the Covid-19 global pandemic, have the potential to disrupt marital satisfaction, yet the evidence from low- and middle-income settings remains limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of COVID-19 related experiences on marital quality among the target population of married persons in selected churches within Nairobi County, Kenya. The study used a cross sectional research design. The study sites and participants were purposively selected and a sample of 204 married individuals who met the criteria participated in the study. The study collected data using the Locke–Wallace Marital Adjustment Test to measure marital satisfaction and a structured sociodemographic questionnaire to capture COVID-19–related experiences. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential analyses performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 27 (SPSS). The Chi-square test was used to assess associations between marital satisfaction and experiences during the pandemic. The results showed that increased conflicts with the spouse, feeling socially isolated, unequal sharing of chores with the partner, and unequal sharing of child care were significantly associated with marital distress. These findings suggest that the negative effects of COVID-19 on marital quality endured post pandemic. The study highlights the need for targeted marital and family support interventions during and after large-scale societal crises and recommends the integration of continuous couples’ and family psychosocial support within church and community settings.
Keywords: Marital distress, COVID-19, marital satisfaction, external stressors
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Suggested Citation
Nungari, N. Ojuade, S. & Okahaabwa, G. (2026). The impact of COVID-19 Marital and Family Experiences on Post Pandemic Marital Quality among Married Christians. African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 12(3), 106-119.