Caregivers’ Lay Perceptions and Social Management Practices Relating to the Mentally Illness Persons at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nairobi

Abstract

Mental illness is a top illness in the world today and its incidence and prevalence are on the rise. Despite this, Kenya still faces a great challenge of providing adequate care for persons with mental illnesses because of inadequate knowledge on mental illnesses, lack of facilities to care for mentally ill persons and a plethora of socio-cultural beliefs including social stigma that impede the provision of quality care. This study explores caregivers’ knowledge and comprehension of the roots of mental illness, the socio-cultural factors allied to mental diseases, the health-seeking behaviors of persons with mental illnesses and the challenges care givers encounter in the provision of care to mentally ill persons. Data was collected using a cross-sectional design that utilized a mixed-method approach involving a purposively selected sample of 90 caregivers and 10 key informants. The two data sets were triangulated to enhance the validity and reliability of the study results. The study site was Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital - a key institution for mental health care located in the outskirts of Nairobi City, Kenya. The participants were caregivers of mentally ill patients and healthcare providers in this hospital. The study findings presented a positive correlation between education, exposure, and understanding of mental illnesses among caregivers. Socio-cultural beliefs were found to negatively impact the perception and treatment of mental illness, while caregivers face challenges stemming from limited support systems, inadequate information, and healthcare system deficiencies. Caregivers engage in diverse health-seeking behaviors, often informed by past experiences and interactions within the healthcare system. The study concludes there is need for targeted health promotion programs, tailored information dissemination on mental illnesses, increased governmental budget allocation for mental health, and enhanced staffing of mental health practitioners at both facility and community levels. The study recommends for policy interventions that advance mental health support, lessen stigma, and improve the overall well-being of individuals affected by mental illnesses in Kenya.