Prevalence of Partner Phubbing and Marital Satisfaction Among Married Couples in Nakuru County, Kenya

The widespread adoption of smartphones has given rise to partner phubbing, which means snubbing a partner in favour of mobile phone use. Previous research in Western contexts has linked this behaviour to negative relationship outcomes. However, evidence from sub-Saharan Africa is limited. This study assessed the prevalence of partner phubbing and levels of marital satisfaction among married couples in Nakuru County, Kenya. This was a mixed-method study which involved married couples attending selected churches. The stratified sampling technique was used to identify eleven churches in the administrative sub-counties of Nakuru County, where married couples were selected purposively. Social demographic questionnaire, Partner Phubbing Scale and the Couple Satisfaction Index were used in collecting quantitative data from a sample of 384 married couples. Quantitative data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Qualitative data was obtained through in-depth interviews with eight purposively selected key informants and were analysed thematically. The study found that partner phubbing was common, with 39.5% of participants reporting that they sometimes experienced it, 25.5% often, and 13.1% always; with 5.2% reporting they had never experienced phubbing. Findings on marital satisfaction were varied, with 34.6% of the respondents reporting very high satisfaction, 28.8% moderate satisfaction, and 13.4% low to very low satisfaction. Variations were noted in emotional connection, communication, intimacy, and conflict resolution. Qualitative findings confirmed frequent phone-related interruptions and associated feelings of emotional disconnection, loneliness, and reduced communication quality. The study concluded that partner phubbing is prevalent among married couples in Nakuru County and coexists with differing levels of marital satisfaction. Persistent digital distractions represent an important relational stressor, highlighting the need for counselling and psychoeducation on healthy digital boundaries within marriages.