Nigerian Medical Students’ Opinion about Psychiatry
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SPRINGER (The International Journal of; Chairs of Departments of Psychiatry, American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training, Association for Academic Psychiatry and the Association of Directors of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry)
Abstract
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.
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Citation
James B., Omoaregba J., Okogbenin E., Buhari O., Obindo T., Okonoda M. (2013). Nigerian Medical Students’ Opinion about Psychiatry. Academic Psychiatry, 37(3): 1-5