Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Mental Illness: A Rural-Urban Comparative Study among the Akamba of Kenya
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Authors
Munavu, Raphael Sundiata
Issue Date
1988
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study was conducted in Kenya to evaluate the hypothesis that there is a difference in
knowledge, attitudes and practices towards mental illness among rural and urban dwellers in
Kenya. The rural area is represented by Machakos district which is about forty miles from
Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Nairobi has been chosen to represent the urban area. Data were collected by questionnaire, 100 of which were administered in each study area: Nairobi and
Machakos district. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered. All the respondents belonged
to the Akamba ethnic group of Kenya, and were males and females between the ages of 18 and
65 years. This study was reflective of a currently topical subject in Kenya - awareness of mental
illness among the general public of the country - which the public media have recently quoted the
Director of Medical Services of Kenya stating that there is a need for the reversal of unfavorable
opinions and attitudes towards the mentally ill in the country. The results appear to suggest that
poor knowledge, attitudes and practices are prevalent in certain parts of the country.
Description
27 p.
Citation
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