TRAINING NEEDS OF THE MENTALLY CHALLENGED PERSONS AT MATHARI, NAIROBI HOSPITAL AND THEIR RELEVANCE TO INTEGRATION IN THE SOCIETY

Abstract

Mentally challenged persons face unique problems in Kenya. One of these challenges is training. This study was concerned with the training needs of mentally challenged persons at the Mathari Mental hospital, with a view of finding the relevance of the training and their integration to the society. The objectives of the study were as follows: The first objective was to identify the training needs of the mentally challenged persons for their successful integration in the society. The second objective was to assess the formal and informal training programs for mentally challenged persons at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital. The third objective was to identify appropriate strategies for strengthening the mentally challenged person’s trainings at Mathari Hospital towards their integration in the society. The study adopted a qualitative approach, with one-on-one interviews used as the data collection method. Purposive sampling was used to select respondents. The respondents included mentally ill patients who could communicate well enough, their primary caregivers such as parents and siblings, professionals offering direct care to these patients and other professionals in field of special education and psychiatry. The data was analyzed based on principles of grounded theory. The key findings made were that Mathari had mentally challenged persons who had a diverse range of conditions requiring different types of training. The study also found evidence of different types of therapies at the hospital including an active vocational training program. Further, the study found out that some patients had life goals and also that the presence of a support system was critical to the training of patients. The support system includes family, occupational therapy, and outpatient services. The conclusions from the study were as follows. First, the patients at the hospital had diverse needs, with a clear need for stronger training on economic and social skills. Secondly, there are various forms of therapy accessible at Mathari through occupation and vocational training, as well as psychological support in centers outside of the hospital. Thirdly, there are clear opportunities for strengthening training for mentally challenged persons at the Mathari Hospital. The key recommendation from the study is that measures should be taken to include more support from diverse disciplines including education. The study also recommends the development of an adult education curriculum for mentally challenged persons. Finally, the study recommends an increase in the number of education facilities and personnel at Mathari Hospital to enhance existing training programs.