Improving the Mental Health Needs of Elderly Kenyans in Rural Areas: An Examination of Treatment Barriers

Abstract

This paper investigates the obstacles preventing elderly individuals in rural Kenya from receiving therapeutic treatment, recognizing their vulnerability to mental health problems. The increasing global recognition of mental health needs among older adults, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (WHO, 2021), highlights the urgent need to address this issue. In Kenya, just like a study done in Uganda, disparities in mental health service access between urban and rural areas further exacerbate the challenges faced by older adults, who experience a range of mental health conditions (Wakida, et al., 2018). Understanding the obstacles hindering their access to therapeutic treatment is crucial for developing effective policies and interventions. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on these barriers, identifying key areas for intervention and informing future research. It is important to note that the review, is designed to provide a broad overview of the available literature, rather than a systematic review, which involves stricter inclusion criteria and quality assessment. Using a defined search strategy across multiple databases and grey literature sources, this study identified healthcare system, socio-cultural, and logistical barriers. Implementing these interventions in Kenya requires careful consideration of infrastructure, resources, and community needs that have been interrogated in this paper.