Nigerian Medical Students’ Opinions About the Undergraduate Curriculum in Psychiatry

Objective The number of psychiatrists in Nigeria is inadequate to meet the treatment needs for neuropsychiatric disorders. Developing mental health competency in the future Nigerian physician workforce is one approach to filling the treatment gap. The authors aimed to assess medical students’ attitudes to this training and its relevance to their future practice and to assess whether they are getting adequate or relevant training. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was undertaken among a sample (N=375) of 5th- and 6th-year students across four medical schools in Nigeria. Results Over one-tenth (12%) chose psychiatry as a future career choice. Most expressed positive attitudes toward psychiatry and its relevance to their future careers. A majority were enthusiastic about receiving training in psychiatry in primary-care settings and welcomed a curriculum that emphasized the learning and management of common psychiatric disorders seen in general practice. Conclusions Medical students surveyed would welcome an undergraduate curriculum that integrates the learning of psychiatry with other specialties and skills-training relevant for primary care. Efforts to modify the current curriculum in psychiatry in Nigerian medical schools should be encouraged.