Background: Substance use is rapidly changing in trends and patterns with particular concerns over increased global use, early onset use, polysubstance patterns, and new psychoactive substances. In Nigeria, limited data exist on clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of individuals in custodial rehabilitation settings. This study describes the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients undergoing rehabilitation at a custodial facility in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective review of case records of 110 patients admitted to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) rehabilitation centre, Oyo State, over a 10-year period was conducted. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, substance use history and patterns were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Participants had a mean age of 28.7 years, with most aged 21–30 years (60.0%). The participants were predominantly male (97.3%), single (80.9%), Yoruba (86.4%), and unemployed (53.6%). Mean age at initiation of substance use was 18.8 years, with 67.3% starting before age 20. Cannabis was the most common primary substance (45.5%), followed by alcohol (17.3%), synthetic cannabis (14.5%), and tobacco (10.0%). Most participants were polysubstance users (88.2%), with 64.9% using three or more substances. Most participants were introduced to substance use by friends or relatives (73.6%). Comorbid psychosis was present in 52.7% of cases, while 97.3% used non-injecting routes. Conclusion: The study highlights early onset, high polysubstance use, and significant psychiatric comorbidity among individuals in custodial rehabilitation. Findings underscore the need for early prevention strategies, integrated mental health care, and strengthened rehabilitation services in Nigeria.
Background: The high rate of psychological problems especially among medical students is an issue of great concern. The rate of psychological distress among medical students in the Southeast of Nigeria and its association with academic performance is not clear. Aim: This study determined the level of psychological distress, and its relationship with academic performance of final year medical students in a tertiary institution in Imo State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a repeated cross-sectional cohort design of 229 final year medical students of Imo State University. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics of the students, while the Kessler Psychological Distress (K10) inventory was used to obtain the global measure of psychological distress. The scores for the 5th MBBS final examinations were obtained from the faculty after the examination. Results: Psychological distress was present in 49.8% of the respondents. Sixty-one (26.6%) of the respondents were mildly distressed, 26 (11.4%) were moderately distressed, and 27 (11.8%) were severely distressed. There was no association between psychological distress and academic performance (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The rate of psychological distress among the medical students was found to be high but was not related to the students’ academic performance in their 5th MBBS final examination.
Background: Traditional clinician-administered interviews for diagnosing substance use disorders (SUD) face operational barriers, such as severe time constraints and interviewer bias. This study validates a self-administered DSM-5 SUD checklist against gold-standard clinical interviews in a West African psychiatric setting. Methods: A cross-sectional validation study included 116 stable outpatients attending a psychiatric facility in Calabar, Nigeria. The standard 11-item DSM-5 SUD criteria were adapted into a culturally refined, plain-language checklist via a patient focus group discussion. Participants completed this self-administered checklist, followed immediately by a blinded, semi-structured clinical interview conducted by a resident doctor. Concurrent validity (Spearman’s rho), diagnostic agreement (Cohen’s Kappa), internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), and the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) were evaluated. Results: The checklist demonstrated high overall diagnostic accuracy for detecting “Any SUD” (AUROC = 0.971) and strong diagnostic agreement with the clinical interview (Kappa = 0.896, p < 0.001). At the mild SUD threshold of ≥ 2 symptoms, sensitivity was 95.2% and specificity was 94.3%. Internal consistency for checklist items was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.92). Concurrent validity was strong for Cannabis (rho = 0.916), Alcohol (rho = 0.787), and Nicotine (rho = 0.788) SUDs. The self-administered tool yielded a slightly higher positive disclosure rate (n=63) than face-to-face interviews (n=60). Conclusion: The culturally adapted self-administered DSM-5 SUD Checklist is a valid, reliable screening tool for Nigerian psychiatric outpatients. Its integration into routine clinical triage safely enhances diagnostic efficiency and improves case detection for comorbid addiction.
Substance use disorders and psychotic disorders frequently co-occur, complicating clinical presentations. Pica is rarely reported in adults with psychiatric conditions. We present a 24-year-old Nigerian male, single patient with polysubstance use,psychosis,and pica manifesting as polyethylene water sachet ingestion over three months. Multidisciplinary management, including haloperidol, benzhexol, carbamazepine, behavioural interventions, and environmental modification, led to gradual improvement. This case highlights diagnostic and management challenges when overlapping psychiatric and behavioural conditions co-occur which emphasizes the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches in similar presentations.
Background: Mentalization refers to the ability to comprehend and appreciate the mental states of self and others. Deficits in mentalization, particularly hypomentalization, have been observed to be strongly linked to schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The 8-item Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ-8) is a brief instrument commonly used to measure hypomentalization, but it has not been validated in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the RFQ-8, scored unidimensionally to measure hypomentalization, among Nigerian clinical and non-clinical populations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Lagos with 159 participants (53 patients with first episode psychosis (FEP), 53 first-degree relatives, and 53 healthy controls). Data were collected using the RFQ-8, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale–Short Form (DERS-SF), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Reliability, convergent and divergent validity, and exploratory factor analysis were examined. Results: The RFQ-8 showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.901). Its convergent validity was supported by a strong positive correlation with the DERS-SF (r = 0.720, p < 0.001). A weak non-significant correlation with BPRS scores (r = 0.095, p = 0.499) suggested divergent validity. Exploratory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure (KMO = 0.964, Bartlett’s χ² = 2773.152, p < 0.001), with a single factor accounting for 94.6% of the variance. Conclusion: The RFQ-8 is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing mentalization deficit in Nigerian populations, including patients with FEP. Its brevity and impressive psychometric properties make it appropriate for use in clinical practice and research.
Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Conventional treatments include behavioral therapy and medications such as methylphenidate and atomoxetine. However, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is increasingly being explored, particularly in settings where access to standard treatment is limited. This case report presents the use of an alternative supplement in managing ADHD symptoms. Aim: To report symptom reduction in a 7-year-old boy with ADHD treated using an alternative supplement. Materials and Methods: A 7-year-old pupil presented with a three-year history of restlessness, inattention, and poor academic performance. Diagnosis of ADHD was made using the DSM-5 criteria. Symptom severity was assessed using the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS) and Teacher Rating Scale (VADTRS). Due to high cost and unavailability of standard medication, the child was commenced on a syrup supplement. The major constituent of the syrup is Bacopa monnieri, which has both cholinergic and antioxidant effects. Other constituents of the syrup include sweeteners such as Celastrus paniculatus and Convolvulus pluricaulis, which have some anxiolytic and antioxidant properties. Patient was given 5 mls twice (30 mg) daily and was monitored monthly over a six-month period. Results: Baseline DSM-5 symptom count was 10/18, with predominant hyperactive/impulsive features. VADPRS scores were 4/9 (inattentive) and 6/9 (hyperactive/impulsive). VADTRS showed 5/9 (inattentive) and 6/9 (hyperactive/impulsive) in the respective domains. After six months of treatment, the DSM-5 score reduced to 2/18, reflecting an 80% improvement. VADPRS and VADTRS scores dropped to 1/9 in both domains, with significant reduction in symptoms. Academic performance remained below average, but classroom behavior improved notably. Conclusion: This case suggests that an alternative supplement may contribute to symptom reduction in ADHD, especially in low-resource settings. Further studies are needed to evaluate its safety and effectiveness on a broader scale
Introduction: The Presidential assent of Nigeria’s first indigenous Mental Health bill midwifed the National Mental Health Act, 2021 (NMHA). This Act aims to align with international best practices, as outlined in international legislative documents such as the World Health Organization (WHO) Checklist on Mental Health Legislation 2005, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), etc. This narrative review aims to compare the NMHA with the WHO checklist, towards identifying possible lacunae. Methods: The authors conducted an in-depth examination and analysis, comparing the five parts of the NMHA across the major areas identified by the WHO Checklist, which includes the preamble, definitions, access to services, and rights of service users, among the other 23 criteria in the WHO Checklist 2005. Results: Firstly, while the WHO checklist requires that MHAs have a preamble stressing the importance of accessible mental health services, the NMHA lacks one. Additionally, although the NMHA provides definitions for terms like ‘mental health condition’ and ‘mental and psychological disability,’ it does not include a definition of ‘mental illness’ or ‘disorder’ as required in the checklist. Furthermore, the Act does not address access to health insurance, and there is no detailed comprehensive framework for addressing emergencies within the context of mental health care, especially in the community. Conclusion: Progress has been made in modernizing mental health legislation in Nigeria through the NMHA. While the Act addresses mental health services and upholds rights, there are areas for improvement identified by this review in line with the WHO checklist. Therefore, this review can be handy in guiding future legislative efforts towards meeting global best practices
Background: Caring for patients with schizophrenia is associated with considerable stress and can potentially predispose to, precipitate and perpetuate depression. This study assessed prevalence of depression and correlates among primary caregivers of outpatients with schizophrenia. Methods: A total of 244 caregivers whose age ranged between 18 and 64 years were recruited. Sociodemographic questionnaire and MINI-PlusDepression Module were used for data collection; the Psychotic Module was used to re-validate diagnosis of schizophrenia. Associations between caregivers’ sociodemographic variables and depression were tested using chi-square, while multivariate regression analysis was done to identify independent predictors. Results: The prevalence of depression was 16%. A higher proportion of those who were separated, divorced or widowed (32.6%) had a diagnosis of depression than those who were single (12.1%) or married (10.6%) (χ2 = 10.687; df = 2; p = 0.005). Those who spent 36 hours or more per week in a caregiving role (32.8%) had more diagnoses of depression than those who spent less (10.0%) (χ2 = 18.297; df = 1; p = 0.001). Diagnosis of depression was noted to be more in those who reported having had inadequate income (29.4%) compared to those who reported having had adequate income (12.4%) (χ2 = 8.654; df = 1; p = 0.003). Compared with those who reported being supported (12.6%), a higher proportion of those without support (26.2%) had a diagnosis of depression (χ2 = 6.358; df = 1; p = 0.012). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that spending 36 hours or more per week in a caregiving role (OR=2.66, 95%CI=1.04, 6.83, p=0.04) emerged as the only independent predictor of depression. Conclusion: Prevalence of depression among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia is higher than in the general population and independently predicted by a more prolonged duration of time spent in caregiving. It is therefore pertinent to bear in mind that, aside from caring for patients, there is an increasing need for integrated caregiver support services, including provision of structured respite care.
Background: Violence in Northwest Nigeria has forced millions to flee their homes, with many getting killed or wounded, leading to a surge in mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By March 2023, Katsina State, one of the worst-hit areas, had a displaced population of about 1.5 million. Studies have linked displacement to increased mental health problems, emphasising the need for support in affected communities. Objective: To determine the prevalence, correlates, and predictors of psychiatric morbidity and HRQoL among IDPs in Katsina State, Northwestern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional, two-stage study was conducted among 450 randomly selected adult IDPs between March and May 2023. Stage one involved sociodemographic profiling, GHQ-12 screening, and WHOQOL-BREF administration. All GHQ-positive participants and 10% of GHQ-negatives underwent stage-two diagnostic interviews (MINI 7.0.2) for depression, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), and PTSD—the Horvitz–Thompson estimator adjusted prevalence for verification bias. Associations were explored using chi-square and t-tests; independent predictors were identified via multivariable logistic regression. Results: Mean age was 38.8 ± 13.9 years; 57.8% were female. GHQ-12 identified 80.0% probable psychiatric cases, with MINI-confirmed diagnoses in 77.8% of screen-positives. Weighted psychiatric morbidity prevalence was 65.7%. The individual psychiatric morbidity prevalences were: depression (4.2%), GAD with comorbid depression (41.7%), and PTSD (31.9%). Over 85% reported poor HRQoL across all domains. Independent predictors of psychiatric morbidity included younger age (<46 years: AOR = 5.76; 95% CI: 1.55–21.34; p = 0.009), low income (<₦10,000: AOR = 4.28; 95% CI: 1.41–13.02; p = 0.010), sustaining injury (AOR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.11–7.40; p = 0.030), witnessing killing (AOR = 8.87; 95% CI: 3.41–23.06; p < 0.001), and loss of a family member (AOR = 32.30; 95% CI: 8.85–117.95; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Psychiatric morbidity and poor HRQoL are highly prevalent among IDPs in Katsina. Trauma-related events are strong predictors, underscoring the urgent need for targeted, trauma-informed mental health interventions integrated into humanitarian responses.
Background: Depression among stroke survivors confers greater disability, poorer quality of life, poorer functional outcomes, and is also associated with a higher risk of engaging in suicidal behaviour (suicidal ideation and suicide attempt). The burden and risk factors for suicidal behaviour among this population are, however, not fully identified. This study determined the prevalence of suicidal behaviour and its socio-demographic correlates among patients with post-stroke depression (PSD) in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Lagos, Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 89 consecutively selected patients with a diagnosis of PSD at the outpatient clinic of LASUTH. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the hospital (LREC/06/10/1572). The study involved diagnosing PSD in stroke survivors using the depression module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory and administration of a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Beck Scale of Suicidal Ideation to participants. Results: The prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt among patients with PSD was 54% and 20% respectively. Attaining secondary level of education was significantly associated with both suicidal ideation (p=0.003) and suicidal attempt (p=0.038). It was, however, not an independent predictor of suicidal behaviour on regression analysis. Conclusion: The high prevalence of suicidal behaviour and the identification of its socio-demographic risk factor further emphasizes the role of depression in the development of suicidality and also highlights a potential risk pathway for mortality among stroke survivors. Prompt identification and treatment of PSD alongside screening for suicidal behaviour may be effective ways to reduce mortality rate among stroke survivors.
Abstract Background: Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic, and relapsing mental health disorder with onset in the adolescent and youth period that has the potential for gradual deterioration of the sufferer over a long period. It usually presents with a disturbance of perceptions, beliefs, and cognition, resulting in abnormal behaviour. Neurological symptom is an unusual mode of presentation of schizophrenia. We present a rare case of long-standing, untreated schizophrenia that mimics a neurological disorder in a Nigerian youth. This is to highlight the need to be suspicious when dealing with the sudden, unexplained onset of neurological symptoms in a youth with normal neurological examination and laboratory findings. Aim and Objectives: Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder (Assen, 2000), characterized by an abnormality in perception, belief, and cognition resulting in gross abnormal behavior and deterioration in interpersonal and occupational functioning, with onset usually in adolescence and the youth period (Khan et al, 2015). It carries a significant burden on individuals and their families. It is a major contributor to the global burden of disease (Victor, 2013). While it is common to observe distortions in the belief systems, perceptual experiences, and other oddities of behaviour among youth suffering from this disorder, presenting with hard neurological sign such as gross motor dysfunction mimicking symmetrical lower motor weakness, a neurological disorder is uncommon (Bachmann et al, 2018). Methods: We aimed to present a case report of a Nigerian youth who presented with a two-week history of inability to walk despite his desire to do so, without any neurological deficit and had a normal brain MRI scan, and other basic investigations. Conclusion: This is to highlight the need to have a high index of suspicion among practitioners, especially when attending to young persons with a sudden onset of unexplained “neurological symptoms”. Key Words: Untreated schizophrenia, neurological disorder, Nigerian youth.
Background: The Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Budo-Egba, in Kwara State, Nigeria, was established in 2021 as the ninth tertiary mental health facility in the country and the first in the North-Central geopolitical zone to improve mental health care accessibility. To address stigma associated with standalone psychiatric hospitals, it incorporated the management of minor physical illnesses into its service. This study assessed the impact of the new hospital on the outcomes of mental health of the people in its catchment area and evaluated the effect of gender on these variables. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the electronic medical records of 301 patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders at the facility from August 2022 to July 2024. It examined socio-demographic characteristics, presentation modes, diagnoses, and gender influences on these variables. Result: The findings showed a demographic skew towards young adults, with 31.2% aged 21–31 years. Males constituted 58.8% of the population. Most patients were married (51.8%) and resided in Kwara State (83.1%), reflecting the hospital\'s local impact. Schizophrenia was the predominant diagnosis (49.2%), followed by substance use disorders (14.3%). The majority (81.7%) of the respondents presented through the outpatient clinics, and 65.1% of them were asymptomatic at follow-up visits, highlighting the hospital’s effectiveness. Gender differences were evident in age, marital, employment, and education statuses. Conclusion: The hospital\'s rural location enhanced local accessibility but posed challenges in expanding services to the wider North-Central region. This study emphasizes the need for efforts to reduce stigma, improve retention, and expand outreach through community psychiatric practices to serve underserved areas effectively. Keywords: Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, mental health care, psychiatric disorders, Nigeria.
Background: Depression is a chronic mental disorder and has remained a leading cause of disease burden. The lifetime prevalence in Nigeria is estimated to range from 3.1% to 5.2%. However, higher prevalence rates have been documented in more recent studies. Aim: This case report and literature review is to bring to light the need for newer medications/interventions in the treatment of depression in low-resource countries such as Nigeria. Setting: This research was conducted at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria. Method: The managing team developed a protocol for the trial of ketamine infusion in the management of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and depression with suicidality. Written consent was obtained before the Ketamine infusion therapy. Results: Patient was assessed using the Hamilton depression rating scale, which was significantly high before commencement of ketamine infusion at a value of 22/52, indicative of severe form, and progressively reduced to 13/52 after receiving the third dose of ketamine infusion therapy. Conclusion: Although being an instance case of a single trial of Ketamine infusion therapy, the authors report that the off-label use of Ketamine for the treatment of TRD in low-resource settings is feasible. Contribution: This case report would add to the evidence that off-label use of ketamine in the management of TRD is possible.
Background: Depressive disorder is quite prevalent in Nigerian family practice settings and has been associated with disability in almost all domains of life. Determinants of positive outcomes vary including the roles of family dynamics and internalized stigma. This study assessed the pattern of family functioning and its relationship with internalized stigma among outpatients with depressive disorder at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted among 272 outpatients being managed for depressive disorder at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta. Consenting patients who met the study criteria had their diagnosis confirmed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and subsequently interviewed. The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale and APGAR family functioning scale were also administered. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package Social Sciences and level of statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 45.54 (± 11.15) years. Most (96.7%) had mild-moderate forms of depressive disorder and a minority (26.1%) had poor to moderately functional families. The prevalence of high internalized stigma was low (8%) but significantly associated with family functioning (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Most patients with depressive disorder attending the clinic have a mild-to-moderate form of the illness and not experiencing dysfunction at the home front. High Internalized stigma among the study respondents was low; with family dysfunction, short illness duration and severe form of depression being possible risk factors.
Abstract Background: The Parenting Style Questionnaire-Revised (PSQ-R) is widely used to assess parenting behaviours across authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive domains. However, its reliability and validity have not been established in Nigerian adolescent populations. Aim: To assess the reliability and validity of the PSQ-R among secondary school students in Calabar, Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 84 adolescents aged 12–18 years in a private secondary school. Participants completed the PSQ-R alongside the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Index of Family Relations (IFR), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while convergent validity was evaluated using Pearson correlation and group comparisons via independent samples t-tests. Results: The mean age was 14.55 years (SD = 1.42), with a slight female majority (53.6%). The PSQ-R showed high internal consistency for the Authoritative (α = 0.880) and Authoritarian (α = 0.835) subscales, and moderate consistency for the Permissive subscale (α = 0.690). Deleting a low-performing item improved the revised Permissive subscale (α = 0.700). The Authoritarian subscale correlated positively with externalising behaviours (r = 0.350, p = 0.005) and total SDQ scores (r = 0.312, p = 0.01), but not significantly with IFR (r = 0.128) or MSPSS (r = –0.113). The Authoritative subscale showed negative correlations with internalising (r = –0.287, p = 0.01), externalising (r = –0.366, p = 0.002), total difficulties (r = –0.356, p = 0.004), and IFR (r = –0.676, p < 0.001), and a positive correlation with MSPSS (r = 0.416, p < 0.001). The original and revised Permissive subscales showed no significant correlations with SDQ, IFR, or MSPSS. Adolescents with internalising or externalising symptoms scored significantly lower on the Authoritative subscale (p = 0.01 and p = 0.002), while those with externalising symptoms scored higher on the revised Permissive subscale (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The PSQ-R demonstrated good reliability and construct validity among Nigerian adolescents, particularly for the Authoritative and Authoritarian subscales. Findings support its use in adolescent mental health and parenting research in Nigeria. Further studies involving larger and more diverse samples are recommended.
Background: Emergencies in psychiatry have a peculiar pattern of presentation, with florid aggression and agitation being very common. Such presentations may pose threats to the patients themselves, those around them, and the environment. The primary goal of intervention is to ensure the safety of the patient, personnel, and surroundings. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of oral medications—chlorpromazine, olanzapine, and diazepam—in calming patients during episodes of aggression. Methods: This was a pragmatic randomized experimental study conducted at the emergency psychiatry department of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba. A total of 80 participants were enrolled. Benzodiazepines (diazepam) and antipsychotics (chlorpromazine and olanzapine) were administered individually or in combination and randomly assigned. Patients who did not achieve calmness within 60 minutes of administration were given parenteral medications. Sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires were used, alongside the Modified Overt Aggression Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. Results: Over half of the participants (55%) responded well to oral tranquilization without requiring parenteral medications. Poor response to oral tranquilization, necessitating parenteral administration, was more common among participants aged 18–40 years (OR = 20.744, 95% CI = 3.608–11.268, p = 0.001), males (OR = 6.607, 95% CI = 1.664–26.235, p = 0.007), and those with substance use disorders (OR = 0.069, 95% CI = 0.009–0.506, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Oral tranquilization was more successful among older patients, females, and those diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Background: This study investigates the prevalence and correlates of eating disorders among undergraduates at Osun State University, Nigeria. Methodology: Utilizing a cross-sectional, descriptive study design, data were collected from 247 students using a multistage sampling technique. Result: The mean age of respondents was 20.04 ± 2.6 years, with a predominance of females (79.8%). The study found a prevalence of eating disorders of 28%, with notable factors including sex (p = 0.002), dissatisfaction with body image (p = 0.006), father’s educational status (p < 0.001), overweight status by BMI (p < 0.001), and overweight status by waist and hip ratio (p < 0.001). Approximately 40% of respondents were engaged in dieting. Conclusion: It is suggested that preventive interventions targeting females, particularly in early academic levels, and focusing on improving self-image perceptions should be implemented in the university setting to address this issue. This research underscores the importance of understanding and addressing eating disorders among university students for their overall well-being.
Background: Psychological trauma is a global health crisis, with particularly severe impacts in regions like Northern Nigeria, where conflicts and terrorism are widespread. Traditional trauma therapies, while effective, are often impractical in such settings due to their resource-intensive nature and the need for extensive sessions. There is a need for ultra-brief interventions that are both effective and feasible in resource-limited environments. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an Ultra-Brief Therapy for Psychotrauma (UBTP) through a controlled pre-test/post-test comparative design. Method: The study was conducted at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Katsina, Nigeria, involving 30 participants. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention group received the UBTP, a five-session intervention specifically designed for quick deployment in crisis-prone areas. The primary outcomes measured included trauma recovery, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, hope, and wisdom. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements across all measured outcomes compared to the waitlist control group. These improvements were particularly notable in trauma recovery, PTSD symptom reduction, and increases in hope and wisdom, with results supported by strong statistical evidence. Conclusion: The findings suggest that UBTP is an effective and practical intervention for addressing psychotrauma in resource-limited, crisis-prone settings. The study underscores the potential of UBTP to provide rapid psychological relief and contribute to trauma-informed care in challenging environments. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term effects and broader applicability of UBTP across diverse populations.
Background: Regularly monitoring mortality rates among psychiatric inpatients is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of healthcare services and subsequently improving healthcare delivery. Prior research in Nigeria focused on psychiatric hospitals, and no published data exist on inpatient psychiatric mortality in Nigerian teaching hospitals. This study aimed to investigate mortality and its associated factors among inpatients admitted to the psychiatric unit of a teaching hospital in Nigeria. Methods: A register-based descriptive retrospective design was used for this study. Review of the records of all patients who died while on admission between 1977 and 2017 was carried out. Results: Among 6490 admissions to the psychiatric unit over 40 years, 46 patients (0.71%) died during their admission, resulting in a mortality rate of 1.15 deaths per year. The age of death ranged from 18 to 90 years, with an average of 48.8 years (standard deviation 18.5). Females comprised a larger proportion of deaths (76.1%, M ratio = 1:3.2). Psychotic disorders were the most frequent diagnoses (35.0%), with acute psychosis being the most common (25.0%), followed by depression (20.0%). Notably, a higher proportion of patients with organic disorders (75.0%) died within two weeks of admission compared to those with non-organic disorders (61.5%). Conclusion: This 40-year study at a Nigerian teaching hospital revealed a low mortality rate (0.71%) for psychiatric patients. Females had a higher mortality rate than males, and most deaths occurred within the first two weeks of admission, particularly for patients with organic diagnoses. Psychotic disorders were the most prevalent diagnoses, followed by depression and bipolar disorder. These findings highlight the need for enhanced early identification and intervention strategies for high-risk patients.
ABSTRACT Background: In resource-limited countries such as Nigeria, the clergy forms a significant part of the pathway to mental health care of patients. Stigma and negative attitudes toward mental illness may lead to the unwillingness of the clergy to collaborate with mental healthcare professionals Aim and Objectives: The paper aimed to assess stigma and its effect on clergy collaboration with mental health professionals in the delivery of mental health services in a developing country. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 237 Christian clergies working in Aboh Mbaise LGA of Imo state. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and information on personal experience of mental illness. The forty-item Community Attitudes Towards Mental Illness (CAMI) scale was used to assess stigma and clergy attitudes toward mental illness Results: One hundred and seventy-six (74.3%) of the clergy were willing to collaborate with mental health care professionals. Among the 176 respondents who were willing to work with health workers, just above half (56.8%) reported offering health education to church members as the most preferred method of collaboration. There was a significant association between willingness to collaborate with mental health workers and a lower mean authoritarianism score (t=0.69, p=0.01), higher mean benevolence score (t=13.80, p=0.001), and higher mean social restrictiveness score (t=1.03, p=0.01) Conclusion: There is a high level of negative attitude among the clergy towards persons suffering mental illness but despite this, the clergy are willing to collaborate with mental health practitioners.
