Mainstream media representation of mental health issues in Kenya: Perspectives of health experts.

Abstract

This study investigated how mainstream media in Kenya represents mental health issues. A critical analysis was needed because globally mental health is on the increase, with 25% of Kenyans affected by mental health related issues. Mental health stakeholders in Sub-Saharan Africa identified media as a critical partner in public education and policy advocacy. It was therefore important to investigate how mainstream media in Kenya represents mental health issues to determine whether there was need for change of style in the presentation of this information. The studysought to answer the following research questions: 1. How are mental health issues represented by the mainstream media in Kenya; 2. What are the perspectives of the mental health experts on how the mainstream media represents mental health issues in view of the situation facing the sector? 3. What informs the way mental health issues are represented by the Kenyan mainstream media? The relativist-interpretivist research paradigm was used, hence the qualitative approach, using the case study method. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and document analysis. Through purposive sampling procedure, I administered in depth interviews with 13 health journalists from 4 mainstream print media houses and 5 TV stations and with 8 mental health experts leading mental health institutions and associations in Kenya. I analyzed the data thematically and consequently, presented the data in narrative form in accordance with the themes. The findings show that mental health issues are underrepresented as compared to other diseases and skewed representation of mental health exists where there is more emphasis on the ‘ill’ and not mental health; further, mental health challenges are linked to violence and crime and represented as a disease that affects the poor and uneducated. Mainstream media representation deviates from the reality of mental health in Kenya whereby mental health challenges cut across all ages and status. Also, people with mental health challenges are more subjected to violence than vice versa as the media representation seems to indicate. Media routines, journalist’s social and cultural orientation, lack of health reporting policy and poor investment in mental health reporting by the mental health stakeholders are the key determinants influencing how mental health issues are represented by the mainstream media in Kenya. Based on this study, I recommend a paradigm shift, where like any core public health programmental health stakeholders form strong collaboration with the Kenyan media and develop an integrated strategic media advocacy plan with clear targets, training, advocacy and funding in order for the media to make a positive contribution in mental health promotion, which will ultimately make significant contribution in positive mental health outcome. It is imperative that mainstream media houses in Kenya develop health reporting policies.