Beyond Marital Harmony: Marital Dissatisfaction among Married Women in Selected Churches in Kajiado North Sub-County, Kenya

Background: Marital dissatisfaction is a significant family and public health concern because it affects relationship quality, family functioning, and individual wellbeing. Despite growing evidence on marital relationships, little is known about the levels of marital dissatisfaction among married women attending churches in Kajiado North Sub-County, Kenya. Aim: This study assessed the levels of marital dissatisfaction among married women in selected churches in Kajiado North Sub-County, Kajiado County. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative design was employed. A total of 247 married women aged 25–60 years were selected through simple random sampling from four churches. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation. Results: The overall level of marital dissatisfaction was moderate (M = 2.63, SD = 0.86). Poor communication (M = 2.96, SD = 1.05) and emotional neglect (M = 2.71, SD = 1.30) were the leading contributors to dissatisfaction. Significant differences in marital dissatisfaction were observed by education level (F = 26.965, p < .001), duration of marriage (F = 3.088, p = .017), and employment status (F = 7.379, p < .001). Age was weakly and negatively associated with marital dissatisfaction (r = −0.125, p = .049). Conclusion: Married women attending the selected churches experienced moderate marital dissatisfaction, with relational and emotional factors contributing more than financial concerns. Interventions that strengthen communication, emotional support, and conflict resolution may help improve marital relationships among married women.

marital dissatisfaction, married women, communication, churches

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