ABSTRACT
Stigmatising attitudes towards persons with mental illness are commonly reported among health professionals. Familiarity with mental illness has been reported to improve these attitudes. Very few studies have compared future medical doctors' attitudes toward types of mental illness, substance use disorders and physical illness. A cross-sectional survey of 5th and 6th year medical students as well as recently graduated medical doctors was conducted in April 2011. The 12-item level of contact report and the Attitude towards Mental Illness Questionnaire were administered. Participants endorsed stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness; with attitudes more adverse for schizophrenia compared to depression. Stigmatising attitudes were similarly endorsed for substance use disorders. Paradoxically, attitudes towards HIV/AIDS were positive and similar to diabetes mellitus. Increasing familiarity with mental illness was weakly associated with better attitudes towards depression and schizophrenia. Stigmatising attitudes towards depression and schizophrenia are common among future doctors. Efforts to combat stigma are urgently needed and should be promoted among medical students and recent medical graduates.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and predictors of poor or non-compliance with medications among respondents attending an adult psychiatry out-patient clinic in Benin City, Nigeria. METHODS: Respondents (n = 137) were randomly selected over a 3-month period using a cross-sectional study design. They were administered a questionnaire adapting the Factors Influencing Neuroleptic Medication Taking Scale as well as the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) to ascertain medication, illness-related and psychosocial variables. Medication adherence was determined by self report and for the purpose of the study confined to the week prior to interview. RESULTS: Almost half (42.3%) were poorly adherent to medications. Most admitted to good psychosocial support, but believed that their illness had a spiritual aetiology. Stigma, higher frequency of medication dosing as well as illness severity as measured by their BPRS scores were significant predictors of poor medication adherence. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of poor medication adherence in this environment is higher than in studies from Western cultures, and replicates rates from previously published reports in this environment. Factors responsible for poor adherence can form the template for intervention studies and programs to improve compliance.
Subject(s)
Medication Adherence/statistics & numerical data , Mental Disorders/drug therapy , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Hospitals, Psychiatric , Humans , Male , Medication Adherence/psychology , Middle Aged , Nigeria , Outpatient Clinics, Hospital , Social Stigma , Socioeconomic Factors , Young AdultABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Catatonia is a common presentation to psychiatric services in developing countries. Medical causes of catatonia are common and often missed. Identifying causes for catatonia is important not only to guide proper management but to determine prognostic outcomes CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 20-year-old male who presented with catatonia. Subsequent investigations revealed a chronic subdural haematoma. Implications of late presentation to orthodox services are discussed. CONCLUSION: Careful clinical observation, investigation and a high index of suspicion are necessary to effectively manage this condition.
