Mental Health Problems in Northern Nigerian Communities – An Exploratory Study
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
National Open University of Nigeria: Journal of Physical and Life Sciences
Abstract
Community-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 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 substance 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.
Description
The study identified common and worrying mental health issues in the community including some uncommon phenomena such as "Imported madmen” (trafficking of mentally sick persons), and (innovative substance abuse, to which attention is drawn for professionals to focus more on community based mental health services.
Keywords
Northern Nigeria, burden, mental health problems, Primary Health Care
Citation
Anyebe, 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 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335110997_MENTAL_HEALTH_PROBLEMS_IN_NORTHERN_NIGERIAN_COMMUNITIES_-AN_EXPLORATORY_STUDY