Kenya’s media representation of mental health and the role of stigma communication

Abstract

Globally, mental health challenges have increased yet public education remains low with cultural beliefs and stereotypes being some of the social constructions used to perpetuate mental illnesses, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. In view of mental health promotion, Mental health stakeholders in Sub-Saharan Africa identified media as a critical partner in mental health public education and policy advocacy. However, review of literature shows that little research has investigated how the media represents mental health issues in the region. This article reports results of in-depth interview research on how the Kenyan mainstream media represents mental health issues and the role of stigma communication in that representation. The study adopted the relativist -constructivist paradigm, qualitative research approach and case study method. Purposive and snowball sampling strategies were applied to identify participants. Data was generated through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. Trustworthiness was ensured through methodological and data source triangulation and peer review. Ethical standards were upheld through seeking of relevant approvals, informed consent, upholding anonymity and confidentiality of the participants. The findings show mental health issues are underrepresented and more emphasis is on the ‘ill’ and not mental health. The Kenyan media links mental health issues to violence and crime and mental illnesses are represented as ‘a disease’ that affects the poor, rural and uneducated. Stigma communication exists amongst journalists and influences the way mental health issues are represented in Kenya.