Mental Health Problems in Northern Nigerian Communities – An Exploratory Study

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dc.contributor.authorAnyebe, E.E., Olisah V.O., Ejidokun, A. and Nuhu, F.T.
dc.date.accessioned2024-05-20T11:15:59Z
dc.date.available2024-05-20T11:15:59Z
dc.date.issued2017
dc.descriptionThe study highlights the common community mental health issues in parts of northern Nigeria including uncommon phenomena such as “Imported madmen” (trafficking of mentally sick persons) and innovative substance abuse, to draw attention to the issue of community-based mental health services.
dc.description.abstractCommunity-based studies on mental health problems (MHPs) in developing countries are scanty; the few available statistics are mostly from hospital based studies. The objective of the study was to explore the forms and burden of MHPs from the views of community members and Primary Healthcare (PHC) service providers, with a view to calling attention for urgent intervention to forestall further psychosocial deterioration in communities. This study conducted in three northern States of Nigeria adopted the mixed research methods (questionnaire, IDIs, FGDs) to collect data from PHC service providers and community members in 47 PHC centres, and their hosting communities. Data collected were translated and/or transcribed and triangulated to meet research objectives. There are worrying mental health challenges and disorders, under the following headings: (1) Unspecified mental health problems in families (2) Substance abuse and related disorders; (3) Suicidal attempts; (4) “Imported madmen” (trafficking of mentally sick persons), and (5) Psychological distress in expectant mothers. Many mental health problems are prevalent in most communities; the main challenge being the multiple psycho-active substances abuse, and emotional issues of expectant mothers. Attention is required from both governmental agencies including security operatives and the PHC system, and NGOs in curtailing dimensions of these phenomena, with the need to shift focus to community based mental health services.
dc.description.sponsorshipNone
dc.identifier.citationAnyebe, E.E., Olisah V.O., Ejidokun, A. and Nuhu, F.T. (2017); Mental Health Problems in Northern Nigerian Communities – An Exploratory Study. Journal of Physical and Life Sciences; a publication of National Open University of Nigeria Abuja. 1, 75-89. Published by National Open University of Nigeria
dc.identifier.urihttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/335110997_MENTAL_HEALTH_PROBLEMS_IN_NORTHERN_NIGERIAN_COMMUNITIES_-AN_EXPLORATORY_STUDY
dc.identifier.urihttps://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/14372
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherNational Open University of Nigeria
dc.subjectNorthern Nigeria
dc.subjectburden
dc.subjectmental health problems
dc.subjectPrimary Health Care
dc.titleMental Health Problems in Northern Nigerian Communities – An Exploratory Study
dc.typeArticle

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