Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Setting Up School Mental Health Program

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Innovations in Global Mental Health

  • 63 Accesses

Abstract

Low and middle income countries (LMICs) are not facing a unique mental health problem from the rest of the world, especially among the young population. Mental health programs have not been included in school curriculums resulting in increased likelihood of children being exposed to risk factors for mental health issues. This chapter provides an overview of prevalence of mental disorders among children and adolescents and its association with suicidal behavior, stigmatizing attitudes towards people with mental illness, bullying behavior and importance of providing early interventions in schools. When an intervention is introduced early, there is an opportunity to improve mental health outcomes and shape more positive attitudes towards mental health. The school’s role in promoting mental health includes providing teachers with the necessary support to raise their confidence in their own areas of professional practice as well as their ability to identify when to refer at-risk children for professional mental health support. A case study on “Kenya Integrated intervention model for Dialogue and Screening to promote children’s mental wellbeing (KIDS) programme” implemented in Kenya is provided to illustrate the need for LMICs to increase efforts for early mental health interventions in schools and communities. This project was systematically developed and implemented, leveraging community stakeholders in which it was rolled out to ensure community acceptance and maximum impact.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Achenbach TM, Ndetei DM. Clinical models for child and adolescent behavioral, emotional, and social problems. In: IACAPAP E-textbook of child and adolescent mental health. International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions. Geneva. 2012; p. 3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Acquah EO, Wilson ML, Doku DT. Patterns and correlates for bullying among young adolescents in Ghana; 2014. p. 827–840.

    Google Scholar 

  • Al Jazeera. The taboo of mental illness in Kenya, Africa, Al Jazeera. 2016.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bachmann S. Epidemiology of suicide and the psychiatric perspective. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(7):1425.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barry MM, Clarke AM, Jenkins R, Patel V. A systematic review of the effectiveness of mental health promotion interventions for young people in low and middle income countries. BMC Public Health. 2013;13(1):835.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bullying NCA. Definition of bullying. 2020.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cortina MA, Sodha A, Fazel M, Ramchandani PG. Prevalence of child mental health problems in sub-Saharan Africa. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2012;166(3):276–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeSA UN. World population prospects: the 2012 revision. Population division of the department of economic and social affairs of the United Nations Secretariat. New York. United Nations. 2013;18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Digital S. Investigate why children are committing suicide. 2019.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elgar FJ, Craig W, Boyce W, Morgan A, et al. Income inequality and school Bullying: multilevel study of adolescents in 37 countries. J Adolesc Health. 2009;45(4):351–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elgar FJ, Mckinnon B, Walsh SD, et al. Structural determinants of youth Bullying and fighting in 79 countries. J Adolesc Health. 2015;57(6):643–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fazel M, Patel V, Thomas S, Tol W. Mental health interventions in schools in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet Psychiatry. 2014;1(5):388–98.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fleming LC, Jacobsen KH. Bullying among middle-school students in low and middle income countries. Health Promot Int. 2009;25(1):73–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fryers T, Brugha T. Childhood determinants of adult psychiatric disorder. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 2013;9:1–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Government VS. Early intervention in mental illness – health.vic. 2017.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins R, Njenga F, Okonji M, Kigamwa P, Baraza M, Ayuyo J, et al. Psychotic symptoms in Kenya - prevalence, risk factors, and relationship with common mental disorders. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2012;9(5):1748–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kessler R, Angermeyer M, Anthony J, De Graaf R, Demyttenaere K, Gasquet I, et al. Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of mental disorders in the World Health Organization’ s world mental health survey initiative. World Psychiatry. 2007;6(3):168–76.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Khasakhala LI, Ndetei DM, Mutiso V, Mbwayo AW, Mathai M. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents in Nairobi public secondary schools: association with perceived maladaptive parental behaviour. Afr J Psychiatry. 2012;15(2):106–13.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kieling C, Baker-Henningham H, Belfer M, Conti G, Ertem I, Omigbodun O, et al. Child and adolescent mental health worldwide: evidence for action. Lancet. 2011;378(9801):1515–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mbchb DMN, Lond P, Mbchb LIK, Mutiso V, Mbchb FAO, Psych M et al. Patterns of drug abuse in public secondary schools in Kenya patterns of drug abuse in public secondary schools in Kenya; 2009. p. 7077.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mbchb DMN, Lincoln I, Mbchb FAO, Psych M, Donald A, Ndetei DM. Drug use in a rural secondary school in Kenya drug use in a rural secondary school in Kenya; 2010. p. 7077.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ministry of Education. Report on competence based curriculum activities presented to the national steering committee; 2018. p. 44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mukolo A, Heflinger CA, Wallston KA. The stigma of childhood mental disorders: a conceptual framework. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2010;49(2):92–103.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mutiso V, Tele A, Musyimi C, Gitonga I, Musau A, Ndetei D. Effectiveness of life skills education and psychoeducation on emotional and behavioral problems among adolescents in institutional care in Kenya: a longitudinal study. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2017;23(4):351–358.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mutiso VN, Musyimi CW, Musau AM, Nandoya ES, Mckenzie K, Ndetei DM. Pilot towards developing a school mental health service: experiences and lessons learnt in implementing Kenya integrated intervention model for dialogue and screening to promote children’s mental well-being. Early Interv Psychiatry. 2018;12(5):972–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ndetei DM. Dental complications of chewing khat. Subst Abus. 2010;31(1):74–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ndetei DM, Ongecha FA, Khasakhala L, Syanda J, Mutiso V, Othieno CJ, et al. Bullying in public secondary schools in Nairobi, Kenya. J Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2007;19(1):45–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ndetei D, Khasakhala L, Nyabola L, Ongecha-Owuor F, Seedat S, Mutiso V, et al. The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and syndromes in Kenyan children and adolescents. J Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2008;20(1):33–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ndetei DDM, Mutiso VV, Musyimi C, Mokaya AG, Anderson KKK, McKenzie K, et al. The prevalence of mental disorders among upper primary school children in Kenya. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2016a;51(1):63–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ndetei DM, Mutiso V, Maraj A, Anderson KK, Musyimi C, McKenzie K. Stigmatizing attitudes toward mental illness among primary school children in Kenya. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2016b;51(1):73–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ndetei DM, Mutiso V, Gitonga I, Agudile E, Tele A, Birech L, et al. World Health Organization life-skills training is efficacious in reducing youth self-report scores in primary school going children in Kenya. Early Interv Psychiatry. 2018;13(5):1146–1154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ndetei DM, Mutiso V, Gitonga I, Agudile E, Tele A, Birech L, et al. World Health Organization life-skills training is efficacious in reducing youth self-report scores in primary school going children in Kenya. Early Interv Psychiatry. 2019a;3(5):1146–1154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ndetei D, Mutiso V, Maraj A, Anderson K, Musyimi C, Musau A, et al. Towards understanding the relationship between psychosocial factors and ego resilience among primary school children in a Kenyan setting: a pilot feasibility study. Community Ment Health J. 2019b;55(6):1038–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen AJ, Bradshaw C, Townsend L, Bass J. Prevalence and correlates of bullying victimization in four low-resource countries; 2017.

    Google Scholar 

  • Podlesky P, Molano A, Chaux E. Socio-economic, socio-political and socio-emotional variables explaining school Bullying : a country-wide multilevel analysis. Aggress Behav. 2009;35(Jul):520–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rescorla LA, Achenbach TM, Ivanova MY, Turner LV, Althoff RR, Árnadóttir HA, Au A, et al. Problems and adaptive functioning reported by adults in 17 societies. Int Perspect Psychol. 2016;5(2):91–109.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rieder AD, Roth SL, Musyimi C, Ndetei D, Sassi RB, Mutiso V, et al. Impact of maternal adverse childhood experiences on child socioemotional function in rural Kenya: mediating role of maternal mental health. Dev Sci. 2019;22(5):p.e12833

    Google Scholar 

  • Rigby K. Consequences of bullying in schools. Can J Psychiatr. 2003;48(9):583–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stigma MI, Seeking C. Mental illness stigma and care seeking. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2003;191(5):339–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wanyoike B. Suicide among university students in Kenya: causes, implications and interventions. J Lang Technol Entrep Africa. 2015;6(1):35–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weiner B. Attribution theory, achievement motivation, and the educational process. Rev Educ Res. 1972;42(2):203–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wekesah F. Adolescent mental health in Kenya: where is the data? African population and Health Research centre; 2019.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson ML, Dunlavy AC, Berchtold A. Determinants for bullying victimization among 11–16-year-olds in 15 low- and middle-income countries: a multi-level study; 2013. p. 208–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization. mhGAP intervention guide – For mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders in non-specialized health settings: Mental Health Gap Action Programme [Internet]. World Health Organization. 2010. 1–121 p. Available from: http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&btnG=Search&q=intitle:mhGAP+Intervention+Guide#1%5Cnhttp://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&btnG=Search&q=intitle:mhGAP+intervention+guide#1

  • World Health Organization. Suicide prevention (SUPRE). Geneva: WHO; 2018.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (WHO). Adolescent mental health. Geneva: WHO; 2019a.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (WHO). WHO | Suicide data. 2019b.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (WHO). WHO | Child and adolescent mental health. 2020.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wyn J, Cahill H, Holdsworth R, Rowling LCS. MindMatters. A whole-school approach promoting mental health and wellbeing. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2000;34(4):594–601.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya

    Victoria Mutiso, Christine W. Musyimi, Pauline Andeso, Susan Malinda & David Ndetei

  2. Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

    Collins Mokua

  3. University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

    David Ndetei

  4. World Psychiatric Association collaborating centre for research and training Africa Mental Health Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya

    David Ndetei

Authors
  1. Victoria Mutiso
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Christine W. Musyimi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Collins Mokua
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Pauline Andeso
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Susan Malinda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. David Ndetei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Ndetei .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Center for Health, Culture and Society, George Washington University, Nashville, Washington, TN, USA

    Samuel O. Okpaku

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Mutiso, V., Musyimi, C.W., Mokua, C., Andeso, P., Malinda, S., Ndetei, D. (2021). Setting Up School Mental Health Program. In: Okpaku, S.O. (eds) Innovations in Global Mental Health. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70134-9_81-1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70134-9_81-1

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-70134-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-70134-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference MedicineReference Module Medicine

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation