Use of patient data from this prospective evaluation of patients
for research was approved by the Makerere University College of
Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee and the Uganda
National Council of Science and Technology. Given that it was
impracticable to obtain informed consent for all service users
receiving routine mental health care, that the research posed
minimal risk, that the rights or interests of the patients would
not be violated, and that their privacy and confidentiality or
anonymity would be assured, both institutions waived the requirement
of a signed consent form.