Reference no: EM133538152
A literature review is an important part of any research project. It helps to identify existing research, evidence, and information related to the topic of study. A literature review can also provide insight into the current state of the field, including gaps in knowledge and areas for further exploration (WHO, 2021). Mental health is a significant concern globally, and Kenya is no exception. Mental health disorders affect individuals, families, communities, and the economy. Despite this, mental health services are often inadequate, inaccessible, and underfunded. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that less than 10% of people in low and middle-income countries, including Kenya, have access to mental health services (Ndetei et al., 2018). The purpose of this literature review is to examine the demand for mental health services in Kenya from the point of view of health administrators (NIMH, 2021). The increasing demand for mental health services in Kenya is a pressing concern for health administrators. Mental health issues have been found to be associated with a variety of physical and psychological problems and can lead to significant impairment in functioning and quality of life (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021). In Kenya, there is a growing awareness of the need for improved mental health services, but there are still significant barriers that limit access to mental health care (WHO, 2021). This literature review will examine the current state of mental health in Kenya, assess the need for mental health services, and present the potential benefits of improved access to mental health care in Kenya from the perspective of a health administrator.
For the purpose of the literature search, the following keywords were utilized: ; Funding, Healthcare Administrator, Political Barriers, Mental Health; Demand for Service, Resource Allocation, Access, Mental Health System, Mental Illness, Mental Health Policy, Mental Health Stigma, and Health Administrators. PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Google Scholar were the search engines used to go through the databases. In addition, appropriate professional resources, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Kenya, were used (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021). The search terms included "mental health", "Kenya", "access to mental health services", "mental health care", "mental health in Kenya", "mental health resources", "mental health challenges", and "mental health needs"(Ndetei et al., 2018). The search yielded relevant studies and reports from a variety of disciplines, including psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology, and medicine. The search was limited to publications in English and from the last ten years.
The literature indicates that mental health in Kenya is an area of increasing concern (Ndetei et al., 2018). Reports have found that the prevalence of mental health disorders in Kenya is rising and that mental health services are inadequate and inaccessible to many individuals. Studies have also highlighted the lack of mental health professionals in the country and the difficulties associated with accessing mental health care (MOH, 2019). Furthermore, studies have shown that mental health services are not well integrated into health care systems in Kenya, and that stigma and discrimination towards individuals with mental illness remain a significant barrier to care (WHO, 2021).The need for improved access to mental health services in Kenya is further underscored by the significant burden of mental health disorders in the country. Reports have found that mental health disorders are associated with significant impairment in functioning and quality of life and that they are a major cause of disability in Kenya (MOH, 2019).
From the health administrator's perspective, the need for improved access to mental health services in Kenya is particularly pressing. Health administrators are responsible for ensuring that individuals have access to appropriate health care services, and that resources are allocated in a way that maximizes access and outcomes. In the case of mental health services in Kenya, health administrators face several challenges (Ndetei, et al., 2018). These challenges include the need to allocate resources to mental health services, the need to develop effective mental health policies and programs, and the need to address the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness (MOH, 2019). In order to meet the need for improved access to mental health services in Kenya, various strategies have been proposed. These strategies include the integration of mental health services into primary health care, the development of evidence-based mental health interventions, the provision of community-based mental health services, and the promotion of mental health awareness and advocacy. Health administrators can play an important role in implementing these strategies, by allocating resources to mental health services, developing effective mental health policies and programs, and addressing the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness (MOH, 2019).
The potential benefits of improved access to mental health services in Kenya are also highlighted by the literature. Studies have found that increased access to mental health services can lead to positive health outcomes, including improved quality of life, better educational outcomes, and decreased risk of suicide (Karanja, 2017). Furthermore, improved access to mental health services in Kenya could lead to increased economic productivity, improved public safety, and increased social stability (Ndetei, et al., 2018). From the perspective of a health administrator, these potential benefits are particularly important, as they demonstrate the potential for improved access to mental health services to lead to positive outcomes for individuals and communities.
Overall, this literature review has demonstrated that there is a significant need for mental health care services, and the role that health administrators play in meeting this need is essential (Karanja, 2017). The literature suggests that mental health services are inadequate and inaccessible to many individuals and that increased access to mental health care is urgently needed. Furthermore, the literature identifies several strategies that could potentially lead to improved access to mental health services and better mental health outcomes in Kenya (Ndetei, et al., 2018). It is hoped that the findings of this literature review will inform and guide the development of mental health initiatives in Kenya and that these initiatives will lead to improved access to mental health care and better mental health outcomes in the country.
1. Define inclusion criteria.
2. Define Exclusion criteria.
3. What dates will be included in the study?
4. What date(ranges) of publication will be included or excluded?