Knowledge and ;ractice in the management of mental patients at Mathari Hospital, Kenya in relation to the mental health Act of 1989

Abstract

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at Mathari hospital, the national referral mental hospital in Kenya. The objective was to determine how the medical personnel manage mentally ill patients in relation to the Kenya Mental Health Act of 1989. A total of seventy-nine (79) nurses, 3 medical officers, 11 registrars and 6 psychiatrists were interviewed; and 223 patients’ files reviewed. The medical personnel were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to determine their knowledge and practice regarding the Mental Health Act of 1989. Further, 223 patient’s files were studied to assess factors related to the Mental Health Act, such as properly filled admission forms, frequency of patient review and modes of admission and discharge of all the participants, ninety (90) % of the doctors and 76% of the nurses interviewed were aware of the laws regarding the management of the patients. However only 50 % and 75 % respectively of personnel adhered to the recommended procedures. Although levels of knowledge regarding the Mental Health Act. (1989) were found to be high, the practice regarding the patients’ management was unsatisfactory. Factors that might possibly contribute to this disparity between the knowledge and practice are discussed and recommendation made.