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Barriers to mental health services utilization among outpatient clinic attendees at Mathari National teaching and referral hospital, Nairobi City, Kenya

Background: World health organization defines mental health as a state where people realize and recognize their capacities, cope with life stressors, and contribute positively to the society. A gap exists between the need or demand for mental health services and their utilization due to a set of barriers that limit access. The prevalence of mental illnesses is approximately 10%. The study sought to investigate barriers to utilization of mental health services.Methods: The study used mixed-method research approach that is cross-sectional descriptive and qualitative study design. The study was conducted at Mathari national teaching and referral hospital outpatient clinic. Structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were used to collect data. Study participants comprised 216 caregivers of mentally ill patients and 6 key informants.Results: Costs of seeking mental health services is a barrier to accessing these services at the MNTRH outpatient clinic. More than half of the participants missed their clinics due to cost of medication, 56% (n=120), consultation costs 55% (n=118), and transport=54% (n=116). Caregivers sought other types of mental health services such as spiritual healing before taking their mentally ill relative for formal care. People with mental illness experienced social stigma 59.3% (n=128).Conclusions: The cost of mental health service access and stigma are the outstanding barriers to access and utilization of mental health services. 