A human rights assessment of a large mental hospital in Kenya.

Journal: The Pan African medical journal

Volume: 40

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 2022

Affiliated Institutions:  Division of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya. Department of Mental Health, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya. Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract summary 

globally, human rights violations of persons with mental health conditions are rampant, and the quality of mental health services below that for general health services. The aim of this paper is to document the findings of an assessment of the quality of mental health services at the largest mental hospital in Kenya, and offer recommendations useful for service transformation.this was a cross-sectional study. Assessment was conducted guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) QualityRights Tool Kit, which assesses for compliance with five human rights themes drawn from the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. Trained assessors collected data through document review, observation, and interviews with hospital staff and service users at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital. The sample was composed of 64 interviewees.overall, the facility was scored as "achievement initiated" indicating that there was evidence that steps had been taken to fulfil the five human rights themes but significant improvements were necessary. Five key gaps emerged: 1) the buildings and infrastructure were in a state of disrepair; 2) staffing was inadequate; 3) patients had no right to legal capacity; 4) there was gross neglect of patients as well as physical and verbal abuse; 5) there were no strategies in place to support community reintegration and independent living.significant improvements to infrastructure, staffing, and the quality of services are needed before the Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital meets the requirements of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

Authors & Co-authors:  Muhia Jaguga Wamukhoma Aloo Njuguna

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Mfoafo-M´Carthy M, Huls S. Human rights violations and mental illness: implications for engagement and adherence. SAGE Open. 2014;4(1):215824401452620.
Authors :  5
Identifiers
Doi : 199
SSN : 1937-8688
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Cross-Sectional Studies
Other Terms
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;Kenya;Mental health;QualityRights;human rights
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Kenya
Publication Country
Uganda