Search

Purpose: This study investigated the epidemiological patterns of mental illness and stigma in community households in Kenya using a cross-sectional community household survey among 846 participants. Methods: A cross-sectional community household survey was conducted around urban slum (Kangemi) and rural (Kibwezi) selected health facilities in Kenya. All households within the two sites served by the selected health facilities were included in the study. To select the main respondent in the household, the oldest adult who could speak English, Kiswahili or both (the official languages in Kenya) was selected to participate in the interview. The Opinion about Mental Illness in Chinese Community (OMICC) questionnaire and the MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview–Plus Version 5 (MINI) tools were administered to the participants. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to compare prevalence according to gender, while adjusted regression models examined the association between mental illness and views about mental illness, stratified by gender. Results: The overall prevalence of mental illness was 45%, showing gender differences regarding common types of illness. The opinions about mental illness were similar for men and women, while rural respondents were more positively opinionated than urban participants. Overall, suffering from mental illness was associated with more positive opinions among women and more negative opinions among men. Conclusion: More research is needed into the factors explaining the observed differences in opinion about mental illness between the subgroups, and the impact of mental illness on stigma in Kenya in order to create an evidence-based approach against stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the link between income inequality and the increase risk for schizophrenia. A systematic review of incidence rates for schizophrenia reported between 1975 and 2011 in different countries was conducted, followed by obtaining of national measures of income inequality (Gini coefficient) and covariate risk factors for schizophrenia. It was concluded that increased risk of schizophrenia may be developed in countries with large rich-poor gap.

Background: Causal belief systems and help-seeking practices may impact on pathway to care and features of first-episode psychosis (FEP) that have prognostic value. This is particularly relevant in South Africa where many people subscribe to traditional belief systems and consult traditional healers.Aim: To evaluate the relationship between causal attributions and pathway to care and features of FEP that have prognostic value.Method: We tested associations between causal attributions and pathway to care and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), age of onset, PANSS-rated positive, negative and general symptoms and depressive symptoms (Calgary Depression Scale) in a sample of 54 FEP patients.Results: Spiritual attribution of cause (49% of patients) was associated with long DUP, while consultation with a traditional healer (39% of patients) was associated with long DUP and high negative symptoms. Only 19% had consulted a psychiatrist. Seventy nine per cent (79%) were referred to hospital by family, police were involved in 44% of admissions, and 81% were admitted involuntarily.Conclusions: Spiritual attributions of cause and previous consultation with traditional healers may delay entry to psychiatric care and thereby negatively impact on prognosis of FEP. This highlights the importance of mental health education and developing a positive collaborative relationship with traditional healers, especially in low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]