Harnessing social media in mental health practice in Kenya: a community case study report.

Journal: The Pan African medical journal

Volume: 39

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 2021

Affiliated Institutions:  Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Clinical Research, Nairobi, Kenya. Chiromo Medical Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. Brain and Mind Institute and Medical College, East Africa, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract summary 

The use of social media to increase awareness on mental health is rapidly gaining momentum globally. However, despite evidence of a growing trend in social media use in sub Saharan Africa, little has been reported on tapping the potential of social media within a mental health practice to not only increase awareness but also facilitate linkage to specialist care. We describe one such mental health practice and its process of integration of the different social media platforms to promote mental health and increase linkage to specialist care. We further highlight the challenges and practical implication of social media use in the Kenyan setting. We conclude by advocating for this integration to raise awareness and also encourage peer support for persons with mental health problems and recommend research that measures the impact of such interventions in sub-Saharan Africa.

Authors & Co-authors:  Ongeri Mbugua Njenga Nguithi Anundo Mugane Kimari Kaigwa Atwoli

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Twenge JM, Joiner TE, Rogers ML, Martin GN. Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among US adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clin Psychol Sci. 2018;6(1):3–17.
Authors :  9
Identifiers
Doi : 58
SSN : 1937-8688
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
Kenya;LMIC;Social media;mental health awareness;mental health promotion
Study Design
Case Study,Case Study,Case Study,Case Study,Case Study,Case Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Kenya
Publication Country
Uganda