Eating Disorders in Kenya

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that do not discriminate. Incorrectly thought to affect just Western cultures, eating disorders occur worldwide and can affect anyone, regardless of skin color or geographic coordinates.

Increased awareness can lead to a better understanding of the sociocultural influences on the development of eating disorders across the globe.

Though limited studies have been conducted on eating disorders in Kenya, we know that eating disorders affect individuals in this region but often go unrecognized. Some researchers believe rates of eating disorders are increasing throughout Africa as a direct result of rapid urbanization.

Prevalence of Eating Disorders

Often, people believe that eating disorders do not exist in parts of the world where they are rarely diagnosed. However, eating disorders are often misdiagnosed and untreated due to the lack of awareness in these regions regarding eating disorder behaviors, risk factors, and warning signs.

A 2004 study [1] determined that Kenyan psychiatrists are adequately trained to identify eating disorders, concluding that the reason for few diagnoses is that eating disorders are simply rare in this part of the world. It is not necessarily accurate to jump to this conclusion.

There are many reasons for low rates of diagnosed eating disorders despite competence among mental health professionals. For example, the aforementioned lack of awareness can keep individuals from recognizing their own symptoms and seeking help. The overwhelming stigma surrounding eating disorders is another significant factor that should not be ignored.

Another 2004 study [2] comparing the prevalence of eating disorders in Western and non-Western countries found that rates are lower in non-Western regions but are steadily rising. Researchers attribute this in large part to urbanization and changing social climates.

Eating Disorders in Rural Africa

Though the media, Western ideals of beauty, and urbanization are often attributed to the development of eating disorders in non-Western parts of the world, a recent study [3] found that some cases of eating disorders in these regions are seemingly unrelated to these factors.

Researchers examined a population of female grade school students in rural Ghana and found that 1.5 percent of participants exhibited characteristics of anorexia nervosa.

These female students “…viewed their food restriction positively and in religious terms… [and] included ideas of self-control and denial of hunger, without the typical anorexic concerns about weight or shape.”

Using restriction to gain a sense of control is common within the eating disorder community, so it makes sense that these disordered thoughts and related food behaviors would be present in both rural and urban settings.

As noted in the study, there was little body dissatisfaction or weight obsession among those engaging in restriction. This needs to be researched further, but it is believed by many that individuals in rural regions feel less social pressure to fit a certain body ideal.

Regardless, understanding the myriad of reasons individuals engage in disordered eating and the cultural influences on both triggers and behaviors is vital to gaining a deeper understanding of eating disorders within these populations.

Treatment Resources in Kenya

There is a very limited amount of eating disorder resources available in Kenya, making the need for research and increased awareness that much more vital.

Karen Surgery is a small family medical practice that offers treatment for mental health disorders. Dr. Tonya Shaw is a clinical psychologist at Karen Surgery who specializes in eating disorder treatment.

The Bridge Centre Ridgeways is an addiction treatment located in Nairobi, Kenya. This facility treats addiction and a variety of co-occurring disorders, including eating disorders, and provides a nutritional balance program.

Africa Mental Health Foundation is an organization based out of Kenya, providing resources to Africa’s mental health community.

If you are struggling with an eating disorder in Kenya or a neighboring African country that does not have treatment options that fit the level of care you need, research additional international resources to support your recovery.

Online support groups can also be beneficial if you are in an isolated location or do not have access to immediate eating disorder treatment, providing a much needed sense of community and support. Of course, this might be less realistic for those in extremely rural areas.

What You Can Do

You can support the global eating disorder community by spreading awareness and support for those struggling with eating disorders worldwide. Recognizing the contributing factors unique to each culture and region can improve cultural sensitivity in treatment settings and lead to improved resources within these populations.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

Do you know of any additional resources available to the eating disorder community in Kenya? If so, let us know in the comments below!

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About the Author: Courtney Howard is the Director of Operations & Business Development at Eating Disorder Hope and Addiction Hope. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from San Diego State University, holds a paralegal certificate in Family Law, and is a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate. After obtaining her certification as a life coach, Courtney launched Lionheart Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching in 2015 and continues to be a passionate advocate for awareness and recovery.

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References:

[1]: Njenga, F.G., Kangethe, R.N. (2004). “Anorexia nervosa in Kenya.” East Afr Med J. 2004 Apr;81(4):188-93.
[2]: Makino, M., Tsuboi, K., & Dennerstein, L. (2004). Prevalence of Eating Disorders: A Comparison of Western and Non-Western Countries. Medscape General Medicine, 6(3), 49.
[3]: Bennet, D., Sharpe, M., Freeman, C., Carons, A. (2004). “Anorexia nervosa among female secondary school students in Ghana.” The British Journal of Psychiatry Oct 2004, 185 (4) 312-317; doi: 10.1192/bjp.185.4.312.

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The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on December 1, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com