Brief training in child and adolescent mental health: Impact on the knowledge and attitudes of pediatric nurses in Nigeria.

PROBLEM: Poor knowledge and stigmatizing attitudes of healthcare professionals constitute a significant barrier to child and adolescent mental health care worldwide. This study aimed to determine the effect of a training intervention on the knowledge and attitudes of pediatric nurses to child mental health problems at a Nigerian tertiary hospital. METHODS: A two group pretest-posttest study design was undertaken. A total of 156 pediatric nurses were recruited, and participants in the intervention group received a brief child mental health training based on the World Health Organization's mhGAP training manual. Knowledge and attitudes to child mental health problems were obtained at baseline, and post intervention. FINDINGS: There were no differences in knowledge or attitudes across the two groups at baseline. Post intervention, there was a significant increase in the mean post knowledge scores of the intervention group compared with the control group (t = 3.8, p < .001). The effect size of the intervention was 0.62. There were no significant differences in mean post attitude scores across groups. CONCLUSION: Incorporating children and adolescents mental health competencies into the training of nurses had a modest effect on their knowledge, but limited effect on their attitudes.

Burnout and quality of life among nurses working in selected mental health institutions in South West Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Burnout remains a huge public health problem among nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study assessed 259 nurses from two Neuropsychiatric hospitals in Nigeria. Data was collected using a sociodemographic/ job related questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and the Short-Form health survey (SF-12). The associations between sociodemographic characteristic and burnout was anaysed using Chi square test, between burnout and quality of life using Spearman correlation statistics. Predictors of burnout were determined using binary regression analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of emotional exhaustion (EE) was 44.4%, depersonalization (DEP) 31.7% and reduced personal accomplishment was 98.8%. Predictors of EE were: poor funding from management, OR = 0.38 (95% CI 0.15-0.95) and role conflict, OR = 2.44 (95% CI 1.03-5.78), while the predictors of DEP, were age group, 31-40 years, OR = 0.37 (95% CI 0.18-0.77), male gender, OR = 2.55 (95% CI 1.40-4.65), role conflict, OR = 6.53 (95% CI 0.88-7.81) and working at more urban city, OR = 3.07 (95% CI 1.54-6.16). The mean total Quality of life (QOL) scores were significantly higher among respondents who had no EE and DEP p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Burnout is high among mental health nurses and is associated with poor quality of life.

Alcohol use disorders in multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients and their non-tuberculosis family contacts in Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: the main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in patients with Multi-Drug Treatment-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) compared with their non-tuberculosis control, and its association with disease pattern and associated medical comorbidities. METHODS: MDR-TB patients (128) and their respective caregivers were interviewed in a treatment unit in Nigeria. Diagnosis of AUD was made using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorder, information was obtained on the severity of the TB and associated health problems. RESULTS: prevalence of AUD was (21.9%) and was significantly higher among cases than in controls (2.3%), p = 0.006. Severe TB, OR = 3.33 (1.56-6.83), hematological diseases, OR = 2.34 (1.06-4.33) and HIV/AIDS, OR = 3.01 (1.67-7.01) were the strongest predictors of AUD at 95% CI. Conclusion: AUD was highly prevalent in MDR-TB and was associated with certain medical comorbidities and increased severity of the illness.

The epidemiology of alcohol use disorders cross-nationally: Findings from the World Mental Health Surveys.

BACKGROUND: Prevalences of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) and Mental Health Disorders (MHDs) in many individual countries have been reported but there are few cross-national studies. The WHO World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative standardizes methodological factors facilitating comparison of the prevalences and associated factors of AUDs in a large number of countries to identify differences and commonalities. METHODS: Lifetime and 12-month prevalence estimates of DSM-IV AUDs, MHDs, and associations were assessed in the 29 WMH surveys using the WHO CIDI 3.0. RESULTS: Prevalence estimates of alcohol use and AUD across countries and WHO regions varied widely. Mean lifetime prevalence of alcohol use in all countries combined was 80%, ranging from 3.8% to 97.1%. Combined average population lifetime and 12-month prevalence of AUDs were 8.6% and 2.2% respectively and 10.7% and 4.4% among non-abstainers. Of individuals with a lifetime AUD, 43.9% had at least one lifetime MHD and 17.9% of respondents with a lifetime MHD had a lifetime AUD. For most comorbidity combinations, the MHD preceded the onset of the AUD. AUD prevalence was much higher for men than women. 15% of all lifetime AUD cases developed before age 18. Higher household income and being older at time of interview, married, and more educated, were associated with a lower risk for lifetime AUD and AUD persistence. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of alcohol use and AUD is high overall, with large variation worldwide. The WMH surveys corroborate the wide geographic consistency of a number of well-documented clinical and epidemiological findings and patterns.

Outdoor smoking in Nigeria: prevalence, correlates and predictors.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of data on smoking in outdoor-open bars in Nigeria that may translate into effective legislation on public smoking. METHOD: This study determined the prevalence, demographic and clinical correlates as well as predictors of smoking among a community sample of 1119 patrons of open place bars in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data on current smoking was obtained using the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), while smoking intensity was calculated using the Pack-Year. Prevalence of alcohol use was determined using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), while depression was diagnosed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview (MINI). Analysis was carried out by SPSS version 20.0 software using Chi square statistics, t test and ANOVA, and was set at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Prevalence of current smoking was 63.8% and the mean pack years of smoking of all respondents was 19.38 ± 17.16 years. Predictors of outdoor smoking were depression OR = 1.41, 95% CI (1.09-1.83) and alcohol use OR = 2.12, 95% CI (1.44-3.13). Predictors of high pack years were depression OR = 1.47, 95% CI (1.08-2.01), being married, OR = 1.78, 95% CI (1.29-2.45), high income, OR = 1.95, 95% CI (1.42-2.68) and alcohol use OR = 2.82, 95% CI (1.51-5.27). There was no significant relationship between stage of readiness to quit smoking and mean pack years of smoking, F = 0.3, p = 0.5. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of outdoor smoking in the sample calls for urgent public health initiatives for intervention. Thus, outdoor bars are potential tobacco use intervention sites to minimize the health consequences of smoking.

Shisha smoking in selected nightclubs in Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Shisha consumption is a growing public health issue all over the globe and public health awareness about its deleterious health consequences is still not sufficiently raised. METHODS: In this location-based study of nightclubs in Ibadan, Nigeria, 633 patrons of selected nightclubs were interviewed in order to obtain information on prevalence, correlates and predictors of shisha smoking. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of shisha smoking was 7.1%. The age of initiation into shisha smoking was lower among women, p = 0.03, but men were significantly more likely to be more frequent users, daily or weekly users, p < 0.001 and also to be current cigarette smokers, p = 0.03. There was no significant gender variability in the stage of readiness to quit. Regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, the predictors of shisha smoking were: cigarette smoking, OR = 4.83, 95% CI (1.49-15.70) and more than 12 years of education, OR = 7.55, 95% CI (1.88 - 30.37), while being a rural dweller was a protective factor, OR = 0.05, 95% CI (0.01-0.20). CONCLUSION: Shisha smoking has emerged as a prevalent public health issue in Nigeria. There is a need for an immediate response from policy providers towards shisha smoking intervention in Nigeria.

Association of Cohort and Individual Substance Use With Risk of Transitioning to Drug Use, Drug Use Disorder, and Remission From Disorder: Findings From the World Mental Health Surveys.

Importance: Limited empirical research has examined the extent to which cohort-level prevalence of substance use is associated with the onset of drug use and transitioning into greater involvement with drug use. Objective: To use cross-national data to examine time-space variation in cohort-level drug use to assess its associations with onset and transitions across stages of drug use, abuse, dependence, and remission. Design, Setting, and Participants: The World Health Organization World Mental Health Surveys carried out cross-sectional general population surveys in 25 countries using a consistent research protocol and assessment instrument. Adults from representative household samples were interviewed face-to-face in the community in relation to drug use disorders. The surveys were conducted between 2001 and 2015. Data analysis was performed from July 2017 to July 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: Data on timing of onset of lifetime drug use, DSM-IV drug use disorders, and remission from these disorders was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Associations of cohort-level alcohol prevalence and drug use prevalence were examined as factors associated with these transitions. Results: Among the 90 027 respondents (48.1% [SE, 0.2%] men; mean [SE] age, 42.1 [0.1] years), 1 in 4 (24.8% [SE, 0.2%]) reported either illicit drug use or extramedical use of prescription drugs at some point in their lifetime, but with substantial time-space variation in this prevalence. Among users, 9.1% (SE, 0.2%) met lifetime criteria for abuse, and 5.0% (SE, 0.2%) met criteria for dependence. Individuals who used 2 or more drugs had an increased risk of both abuse (odds ratio, 5.17 [95% CI, 4.66-5.73]; P < .001) and dependence (odds ratio, 5.99 [95% CI, 5.02-7.16]; P < .001) and reduced probability of remission from abuse (odds ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.76-0.98]; P = .02). Birth cohort prevalence of drug use was also significantly associated with both initiation and illicit drug use transitions; for example, after controlling for individuals' experience of substance use and demographics, for each additional 10% of an individual's cohort using alcohol, a person's odds of initiating drug use increased by 28% (odds ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.26-1.31]). Each 10% increase in a cohort's use of drug increased individual risk by 12% (1.12 [95% CI, 1.11-1.14]). Conclusions and Relevance: Birth cohort substance use is associated with drug use involvement beyond the outcomes of individual histories of alcohol and other drug use. This has important implications for understanding pathways into and out of problematic drug use.

Factors associated with paternal perinatal depression in fathers of newborns in Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of information on paternal postnatal depression in developing countries such as Nigeria. METHODS: This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression in fathers at the birth of their infants and the incidence of paternal postnatal depression at 6 weeks postpartum. We also examined the correlation between paternal postpartum depression (PPD) at 6 weeks and maternal PPD as well as the sociodemographic and other correlates of paternal PPD at 6 weeks. RESULTS: All the 331 fathers recruited at baseline completed the study. Prevalence of depression in fathers at birth of their babies was 10 (3%). After excluding the 3%, the incidence of PPD in fathers (N = 321) at 6 weeks was 19 (5.9%). In all, 29 (8.8%) fathers had PPD. The prevalence of depression in mothers at 6 weeks postpartum was 57 (17.8%). The prevalence of depression in mothers at 6 weeks was significantly higher than the incidence of depression in fathers at 6 weeks (X2 = 26.2, p < .001). There was no significant correlation between maternal PPD and paternal PPD. At baseline, prevalence of PPD among the unemployed fathers was higher than in the employed, 3 (21.4%) versus 7 (2.2%), this was significant (FE p < .01). There was no significant correlate of paternal PPD at 6 weeks. DISCUSSION: Postpartum mental health services should be extended to fathers of newborns especially those who are unemployed. Our findings have implications for family health.

Should Traffic Offenders Undergo Compulsory "Mental Test": A Study of Mental Health and Crash Involvement Among Commercial Motorcyclists in Ibadan, Nigeria?

Government policies on commercial motorcycle crash prevention are often not driven by data in terms of mental health risks. In this cross-sectional study, data was obtained from 508 commercial motorcyclists (CMs) in Ibadan, Nigeria on psychological distress, personality, suicidality, impulsivity, substance use and Intelligence Quotient, to determine the mental health correlates of road crash involvement. One-month and 12-month accident rates were 7.9 and 28.9% respectively. One-month crash involvement was independently associated with helmet non-use (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.7, p = 0.03) and poor knowledge of road signs (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.3, p = 0.02). The odds of 12-month crash involvement was increased among lifetime users of alcohol (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3-3.0, p = 0.001) and those with fewer than two children (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.3, p = 0.006), but was reduced among riders with primary school education (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.7, p = 0.007). Crash involvement rate in this population is high. Results from the study do not support routine psychiatric evaluation for traffic offenders, but are more in favour of safety education and traffic law enforcement.

Beta-cell Function and Metabolic Clearance Rate of Glucose in Patients with Major Mental Health Disorders on Antipsychotic Drug Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance and metabolic alteration continue to be essential features of major mental health disorders (MMHD) with poorly understood and multifaceted mechanisms. This study was carried out to provide information on insulin resistance, beta-cell function, metabolic clearance rate of glucose and their possible interplay with duration of antipsychotic use in patients with major mental health disorders. METHODOLOGY: Plasma levels of glucose and insulin were determined in 124 patients with MMHD after an overnight fast and at 30 and 120 min of standard Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. Thereafter, indices of insulin resistance, beta-cell function and estimated metabolic clearance rate of glucose (eMCR) were calculated appropriately. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis, independent Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Metabolic factors (fasting and postprandial glucose and insulin), indices of insulin sensitivity and ß-cell function were not significantly different when patients with schizophrenia, bipolar and depression were compared with one another. Postprandial insulin level at 30 min (30 min PPI), estimated First and Second Phases of Insulin Release (eFPIR, eSPIR) were significantly lower in patients on atypical antipsychotic drugs [18.15 (3.57-40.35) µIU/ml), 617.63 (320.06-911.31) pmol/l, 180.30 (114.82-249.39) pmol/l] compared with patients on typical antipsychotic drugs [27.48 (13.33-47.68) µIU/ml, 767.69 (530.58-1198.35) pmol/l, 209.89 (154.01-310.97) pmol/l]. Furthermore, the mean waist circumference and body mass index were significantly higher in patients who have been on anti-psychotic drug for more than 10 years compared with patients with less than 5 years history of anti-psychotic use. eMCR of glucose progressively declined with increasing duration of antipsychotic use and it was significantly lower in patients who have been on antipsychotic drugs for more than 10 years [8.09 (5.90-9.44) ml.kg-1.min-1] compared with patients who have been on the drugs for less than 5 years [9.03 (7.47-10.04) ml.kg-1.min-1]. CONCLUSION: Patients on atypical antipsychotics seem to have insulin secretion phases consistent with ß-cell dysfunction. Also, chronicity of antipsychotic treatment predisposes patients with major mental health disorders to central adiposity and low metabolic clearance rate of glucose, a forerunner of glucose intolerance.

Assessment of the alcohol consumption among outdoor bar drinkers in Nigeria by qualitative methods.

BACKGROUND: There are indications that drinking in outdoor bars, such as at motor-parks, by the roadsides or street corners have become popular in Nigeria. METHOD: Three sets of qualitative assessments were carried out from three outdoor bars, randomly selected from 22 of such in Ibadan, Nigeria. The main sources of data were by direct observation and focus group discussion (FGD), conducted by a non-probabilistic sample of outdoor bar drinkers, alcohol vendors and from community members. The qualitative assessments were recorded, followed by a thematic analysis of the contents of the qualitative assessments. RESULTS: Widespread use of alcohol was reported. Patrons of outdoor bars reported that their context of drinking was pleasurable to them. Use of local beverages usually called 'sepe' is increasing. The majority of them do not have adequate health information about the harmful consequences of alcohol. Alcohol and other substances of abuse were openly displayed, sold and consumed at the study sites. There were poor law provision and enforcement of laws prohibiting open display of alcohol and other substances. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of social drinkers in outdoor bars require intervention for their drinking behaviour. This is important because they have little or no information about the health hazards associated with excessive drinking. Presentation of these findings should contribute to increased awareness and improved response from the policy makers.

Prevalence of alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorders among outdoor drinkers in public open places in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There is a rapid shift in the social context of drinking, with a large proportion of regular drinkers favouring outdoor-open space drinking, such as motor-parks, by the road sides, the majority of which are unlicensed premises for drinking. METHOD: This study determined the prevalence and determinants of harmful or hazardous alcohol use and possible dependence, defined as a "likely alcohol use disorder" (AUD) in a community sample of 1119 patrons of open space drinking places in Ibadan, Nigeria, using the AUDIT. Scores of 8 and above signified a likely AUD. The associations between a likely AUD and demographic characteristics were sought using Chi square statistics and binary regression analysis was used to determine the effects of multiple confounding variables on a likely AUD using the SPSS version 20.0 software. RESULTS: Of the entire population, the prevalence of likely AUD was 39.5%, and 44.4% out of the drinking population Multivariate analysis showed that Islamic religion was a negative predictor for likely AUD, OR = 0.13, 95% CI (0.06-0.26), while rural residence, OR = 1.84, 95% CI (1.34-2.53) and cigarette smoking OR = 1.81, 95% CI (1.37-2.40) were predictive of likely AUD. CONCLUSION: Outdoor-open space drinkers are likely to have AUD compared with the general population. Open space drinking has a huge public health implication because of the associated health risks and injuries.

Vitamin D Levels in Different Severity Groups of Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) continues to be associated with schizophrenia, but there is the dearth of information on the relationship between the severity of schizophrenia and plasma levels of vitamin D. This study, therefore, determined the plasma levels of vitamin D in different severity groups of schizophrenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma level of vitamin D was determined in 60 patients with schizophrenia and 30 apparently healthy individuals who served as controls. Patients with schizophrenia were classified into mildly ill, moderately ill, markedly ill, and severely ill groups using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). RESULTS: The mean level of vitamin D was significantly lower in patients with schizophrenia compared with the controls. Similarly, there was a significant association between VDD and schizophrenia. The mean plasma levels of vitamin D were not significantly different when the mildly, moderately, markedly, and severely ill groups were compared with one another and there was no significant correlation between vitamin D level and PANSS scores. Furthermore, patients on atypical antipsychotics had an insignificantly lower level of vitamin D compared with the patients on typical antipsychotics. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded from this study that patients with schizophrenia have low plasma vitamin D level which does not appear to be associated with the severity of schizophrenia and type of antipsychotics. Therefore, regular screening for vitamin D status of patients with schizophrenia is suggested in order to allow for the institution of appropriate clinical intervention when necessary.

Effectiveness of Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test-Linked Brief Intervention on Harmful and Hazardous Alcohol Use in Nigerian Semirural Communities: A Non-Randomized Intervention Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of alcohol consumption and the effectiveness of the alcohol, smoking, and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST)-linked brief intervention on hazardous and harmful alcohol use in semirural settings in Nigeria. METHODS: In this single arm non-randomized intervention study delivered by community health extension workers (CHEW), participants (N = 1,203), 15 years and older, recruited between October 2010 and April 2011 were assessed for prevalence of alcohol consumption and the associated level of risk. Scores of 0-10 were classified as lower risk scores, 11-26 as moderate risk, and 27+ as high risk. This was followed by a brief intervention. Prevalence of alcohol consumption and level of risk was assessed at 3 and 6 months postbrief intervention. Main outcome measure was the change in ASSIST scores at 3 and 6 months postintervention. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of alcohol use at baseline compared with that at 6 months, χ2(2) = 4.2, p = 0.01. Among all respondents, a repeated measures ANOVA with a Greenhouse-Geisser correction showed that mean ASSIST score significantly reduced between time points [F(1.541, 34.092) = 53.241, p < 0.001]. Post hoc tests using the Bonferroni correction revealed that this difference was due to a significant reduction in the mean ASSIST scores at 3 months vs. baseline, p = 0.001, but not at 3 vs. 6 months, p = 0.09. CONCLUSION: There is a potential for CHEW-administered ASSIST-linked screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for unhealthy alcohol use in Nigerian semirural communities. This is feasible considering serious dearth of addiction specialists in the country.

Effect of attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder training program on the knowledge and attitudes of primary school teachers in Kaduna, North West Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There are indications that teachers have limited knowledge about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), despite its high prevalence in childhood and its long-term effects on students such as academic underachievement, reduced self-esteem, and social and behavioural difficulties. This study is therefore aimed at assessing the effect of an ADHD training program on the knowledge of ADHD among primary school teachers in Kaduna, Nigeria and their attitudes towards pupils with ADHD. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial involving 84 primary school teachers in the intervention group and 75 teachers in the control group. Participants in the intervention group received an initial 3-h training with a one-and-a-half hour booster session 2 weeks later using the World Health Organisation MhGAP-IG module on behavioural disorders focusing on ADHD. Outcome measures were knowledge of ADHD, attitude towards ADHD, and knowledge of behavioural intervention. RESULTS: Controlling for baseline scores, the intervention group had significantly higher post intervention scores on knowledge of ADHD, lower scores on attitude towards ADHD (i.e. less negative attitudes), and higher scores on knowledge of behavioural intervention compared with the control group respectively. The intervention showed moderate to large effect sizes. The booster training was associated with a further statistically significant increase in knowledge of ADHD only. CONCLUSIONS: The training program significantly improved the knowledge and attitudes of the teachers in the intervention group towards ADHD. Considerations should be given to incorporating ADHD training programs into teacher-training curricula in Nigeria, with regular reinforcement through in-service training.

Profile and Determinants of Disability in Psychotic Disorders in Nigeria.

We compared profile and predictors of disability among 210 patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar I disorder with psychosis and depression with psychosis, respectively in a Nigerian clinical population, using the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule, (2.0). Severity of psychosis was determined with Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale, functioning was assessed using the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, medication adherence with the Medication Adherence Questionnaire. Analyses were by SPSS 20.0. There were remarkable differences in the predictors of disability across these psychotic disorders. The findings strengthens the significance of psychosocial rehabilitation in patients with psychosis as clinical remission and medication adherence did not equate functional recovery.

Medical Co-morbidities Among Patients with Severe Mental Illnesses in a Community Health Facility in Nigeria.

To examine prevalence of medical comorbidity (MCM) in schizophrenia (n = 1310) and in bipolar disorder (n = 1307) and the association of high burden of MCM (≥3 MCM) with duration of untreated illness, number of episodes, functioning, poly-medication and lifetime hospitalization for the mental disorder. Participants were recruited from a private psychiatric facility in Ibadan, Nigeria between 2004 and 2013 and enquiry made about the lifetime occurrence of 20 common chronic diseases including common tropical diseases. Psychiatric diagnosis was made using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV Axis I disorder (SCID). Except for nutritional anemia, dermatitis and intestinal Helminthiasis, patients with schizophrenia were not at higher odds of reporting MCM than those with bipolar disorder. DUI ≥2 years, episodes of illness ≥3, being on multiple neuroleptics and history of previous hospitalization were significantly associated with high burden of MCM in schizophrenia and episodes of illness ≥3, reduced functioning and history of previous hospitalization with bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are associated with high rates of medical comorbidity. Treatment of this medical comorbidity is essential in order to improve the outcomes for patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Cannabis Use and Associated Harms among Schizophrenia Patients in a Nigerian Clinical Setting: A Case-Control Study.

AIM: The overall aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cannabis use among patients with schizophrenia with associated levels of harm in a Nigerian clinical setting. METHOD: In this case-control study, consecutive 150 patients with schizophrenia were matched by age and gender with an equal number of patients that utilized the general outpatient department of the State Hospital, Ring Road Ibadan. The alcohol, smoking and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST) was used to obtain prevalence of cannabis use and level of health risk as determined by the ASSIST score. The positive and negative syndrome scale was used to determine the severity of psychosis. RESULTS: Prevalence of cannabis use among the cases and control group was 10.0 and 2.7%, respectively, p = 0.03. Mean ASSIST score was significantly higher among the cases compared with the control, p < 0.001. Respondents of male gender and those who were not married were significantly more likely to be cannabis users among patients with schizophrenia (p < 0.001 and p < 0.02), respectively. CONCLUSION: Cannabis use was prevalent among patients with schizophrenia and was associated with health risks. Thus, routine screening for cannabis use and brief intervention is suggested to be integrated into care for adolescents and adults with schizophrenia.