Mental Health Implications of COVID-19 in Kenya

Abstract

<jats:p>Dear Editor,&#x0D; As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread rapidly worldwide, it is certainly having an immense effect on the mental wellbeing of people thereby increasing the number of people with elevated levels of stress, depression, or anxiety.1 Developing countries will undoubtedly have serious mental health implications due to the poor or almost non-existent mental health services.&#x0D; In Kenya, mental health is still somewhat neglected mainly because only 0.05% of the Governments’s health budget allocation goes to mental health.2 The allocated health budget largely focuses on communicable diseases despite the impact of mental health on the Kenyan population. Although there are no accurate data on the prevalence of mental disorders in Kenya, various studies have shown that the prevalence of depression generally varies from 19% in household review studies2 to 42% among the general population visiting the health facilities.3 Similar to other African countries, Kenya has a shortage of mental health professionals. Mathari hospital is the country’s only mental referral facility where one nurse handles up to 150 patients.4 In a country with only approximately 100 psychiatrists serving a population of 45 million, only a third of the psychiatrists work in the government health facilities.5 The rest of the psychiatrists work in private health facilities that are generally more expensive making them inaccessible to the majority of the population due to the unaffordable consultation fees.</jats:p>

Self-Reported Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Healthcare Workers in Ethiopia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Despite all the efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in low-resource countries, psychological distress among healthcare providers remains notably high in Sub-Saharan countries. 17 A more inclusive evidence-based understanding of HCWs’ psychological burden during the COVID-19 is vital for providing psychological support, improving mental health services in low resource countries. 18 The HCWs on the frontline who have been directly involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with COVID-19 may be at significant risk of developing mental health problems.…”

Unicystic Ameloblastoma of Mandible: A Case Report

“…Kenya is, therefore, looking at the second pandemic of mental health complications associated with COVID-19. 22 The front-line health employees, including doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, case identifiers (Contact tracers), are all targets of discrimination during this pandemic. The research found that the medical staff of Sudan showed that they were suffering from anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 outburst.…”

Ethical Considerations for Community Based Psychosocial Accompaniment: Towards a Strengthened Mental Health Response amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

“…The rising levels of mental health and related issues such as depression, suicide and self-harm are not given much attention yet "it is undeniable that the fear of uncertain future and stigma of Covid-19 is fuelling mental health crisis in Kenya" (Ochillo & Elsie, 2020). The need to prioritize mental health, especially at the community level during this pandemic cannot thus be overemphasized.…”