Prevalence of Common Mental Disorders in a Rural District of Kenya, and Socio-Demographic Risk Factors

Rachel Jenkins, Frank Njenga, Marx Okonji, Pius Kigamwa, Makheti Baraza, James Ayuyo, Nicola Singleton, Sally McManus and David Kiima
Additional contact information
Rachel Jenkins: Director, WHO Collaborating Centre (Mental Health), Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, P.O. Box 35, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
Frank Njenga: Consultant Psychiatrist, Upper Hill Medical Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
Marx Okonji: Consultant Psychiatrist, The Nairobi Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
Pius Kigamwa: Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Makheti Baraza: Ministry of Health Survey Department, Nairobi, Kenya
James Ayuyo: Mildmay International Kenya, Kisumu, Kenya
Nicola Singleton: Director of Policy & Research, UK Drug Policy Commission, London N1 9NG, UK
Sally McManus: Research Director, National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), London EC1V 0AX, UK
David Kiima: Director of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya

IJERPH, 2012, vol. 9, issue 5, 1-10

Abstract: Association between common mental disorders (CMDs), equity, poverty and socio-economic functioning are relatively well explored in high income countries, but there have been fewer studies in low and middle income countries, despite the considerable burden posed by mental disorders, especially in Africa, and their potential impact on development. This paper reports a population-based epidemiological survey of a rural area in Kenya. A random sample of 2% of all adults living in private households in Maseno, Kisumu District of Nyanza Province, Kenya (50,000 population), were studied. The Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R) was used to determine the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs). Associations with socio-demographic and economic characteristics were explored. A CMD prevalence of 10.8% was found, with no gender difference. Higher rates of illness were found in those who were of older age and those in poor physical health. We conclude that CMDs are common in Kenya and rates are elevated among people who are older, and those in poor health.

Keywords: epidemiology; Kenya; development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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