title: Mental Health Outcomes of Psychosocial Intervention Among Traditional Health Practitioner Depressed Patients in Kenya.
abstract: Task-shifting in mental health such as engaging Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) in appropriate management of mental disorders is crucial in reducing global mental health challenges. This study aims to determine the outcomes of using evidence-based mental health Global Action Programme Intervention guide (mhGAP-IG) to provide psychosocial interventions among depressed patients seeking care from THPs. THPs were trained to deliver psychosocial interventions to their patients screening positive for mild to severe depression on Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). Assessments were conducted at 0, 6 and 12 weeks and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) performed to determine the change in depression scores over the three time period. BDI mean score was 26.52 before intervention and reduced significantly at 6 (13%) and 12 (35%) weeks after intervention. 58 and 78% of patients showed reduction in symptoms of depression at 6 and 12 weeks. It is therefore crucial to engage THPs in the care of patients with depression and the need for inclusion of training packages; and other mental disorders in order to establish and maintain collaboration between THPs and conventional health workers and promote evidence-based care among marginalized populations. Moreover, further research on randomized control trials of mhGAP-IG intervention versus usual care is required.
authors.affiliation: Africa Mental Health Foundation, Mawensi Gardens, Matumbato Road, Upperhill, Nairobi, Kenya.|Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Christine W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Musyimi
authors.affiliation: Africa Mental Health Foundation, Mawensi Gardens, Matumbato Road, Upperhill, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mutiso
authors.affiliation: Africa Mental Health Foundation, Mawensi Gardens, Matumbato Road, Upperhill, Nairobi, Kenya. dmndetei@amhf.or.ke.|Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya. dmndetei@amhf.or.ke.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Ndetei
authors.affiliation: Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.|Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.affiliation: Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Joske
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bunders
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003150:Community Health Workers / Q000458:organization & administration; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
keywords: Depression; Kenya; Psychosocial intervention; Traditional Health Practitioner; mhGAP-IG