The Psychological Effects of Gigantomastia on the Mental Health of Women in Nairobi County, Kenya

Gigantomastia, characterized by excessive breast tissue growth, presents significant psychological challenges for affected women beyond its physical manifestations. This qualitative study examined the psychological effects of gigantomastia on women's mental health in Nairobi County, Kenya, through in-depth interviews with 30 participants aged 19-50 years using snowball sampling technique. The study employed a descriptive research design grounded in phenomenological epistemology and cognitive adaptation theory to explore the lived psychological experiences of women with this rare condition. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews conducted virtually via Zoom platform and analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed four primary psychological manifestations: low self-esteem and negative body image resulting in feelings of unworthiness and body dissatisfaction, intense negative feelings and emotions including depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal, loss of interest in previously enjoyed social activities and personal pursuits, and adoption of unhealthy coping mechanisms such as social isolation and emotional masking. These psychological effects created cascading mental health complications that significantly compromised participants' emotional stability, self-worth, and overall psychological well-being. The study concludes that gigantomastia represents a substantial psychological health burden requiring comprehensive mental health interventions and support systems. Key recommendations include establishing specialized psychological support services, integrating mental health screening into routine healthcare, implementing public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, and including mental health services for gigantomastia in national health insurance schemes to ensure accessibility and affordability for affected women. Keywords: Gigantomastia, psychological effects, mental health, women's health, self-esteem, body image, Nairobi County, Kenya