Browsing by Author "Gureje, O."

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A random effect logistic regression model of major depressive disorder among ageing Nigerians
(Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2016) Idowu, O. P.; Yusuf, O. B.; Akpa, O. M.; Gureje, O.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a major public health problem in Nigeria and has severely devastating effects on the elderly. Previous studies on MDD among elderly Nigerians have utilized cross sectional designs which are descriptive in nature and have not investigated differences in setting and time-occurrence of MDD. Therefore this study employed a random effect logistic regression model to determine the relative effects/contributions of individual and environmental factors in the occurrence of MDD. A secondary analysis of a four-year longitudinal data from the Ibadan Study of Ageing was conducted. A total of 2,149 elderly Nigerians participated in the study between 2003 and 2009. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess MDD and consequently classified as “present” for scores ranging from 10 to 30 and “absent” for scores ranging from 0 to 9. A random effect logistic regression model was fitted to determine factors predicting MDD. Odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals, and Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICC) for each random effect was estimated. The overall prevalence of MDD was 27.28%. Significant predictors of MDD included “no-contact with family members” (OR=2.9, 95%CI: 1.26-6.70), “no-contact with friends” (OR=1.32, 95%CI: 1.05-1.67)), non-participation in family activities (OR=2.07, 95%CI: 1.63-2.43), non-participation in community activities (OR=1.93, 95%CI: 1.54-2.43), and good quality of health (OR=0.25, 95%CI: 0.15-0.27). Disparities in the occurrence of MDD among the elderly were attributable to enumeration areas (6%) and the individuals (22%). Social isolation factors and self-reported quality of health are significant predictors of MDD among elderly Nigerians.
A survey of traditional and faith healers providing mental health care in three sub-Saharan African countries
(Springer Science + Business Media, 2019) Esan, O.B.; Appiah-Poku, J.; Othieno, C.; Kola, L.; Harris, B.; Nortje, G.; Makanjuola, V.; Oladeji, B.; Price, L.; Seedat, S.; Gureje, O.
Background: Traditional and faith healers constitute an important group of complementary and alternative mental health service providers (CAPs) in sub-Sahara Africa. Governments in the region commonly express a desire to integrate them into the public health system. The aim of the study was to describe the profile, practices and distribution of traditional and faith healers in three sub-Saharan African countries in great need for major improvements in their mental health systems namely Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria. Materials and methods: A mapping exercise of CAPs who provide mental health care was conducted in selected catchment areas in the three countries through a combination of desk review of existing registers, engagement activities with community leaders and a snowballing technique. Information was collected on the type of practice, the methods of diagnosis and the forms of treatment using a specially designed proforma. Results: We identified 205 CAPs in Ghana, 406 in Kenya and 82 in Nigeria. Most (> 70%) of the CAPs treat both physical and mental illnesses. CAPs receive training through long years of apprenticeship. They use a combination of herbs, various forms of divination and rituals in the treatment of mental disorders. The use of physical restraints by CAPs to manage patients was relatively uncommon in Kenya (4%) compared to Nigeria (63.4%) and Ghana (21%). CAPs often have between 2- to 10-fold capacity for patient admission compared to conventional mental health facilities. The profile of CAPs in Kenya stands out from those of Ghana and Nigeria in many respects. Conclusion: CAPs are an important group of providers of mental health care in sub-Saharan Africa, but attempts to integrate them into the public health system must address the common use of harmful treatment practices.
Achieving health security in Nigeria: A strategic blueprint for addressing psychoactive substance use
(College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, 2019) Abdulmalik, J.O.; Lasebikan, V.O.; Makanjuola, V.A.; Oshiname, F. O.; Oladeji, B. D.; Esan, O. B.; Bella - Awusah, T. T.; Ojagbemi, A. A.; Adeniyi, Y. P.; Gureje, O.; Omigbodun, O. O.
Introduction: Psychoactive substance use is an important component of health and national security. Nigeria has evolved from a largely transit nation for psychoactive substances to a high consumption nation. Increasing rates of use result in a concurrent rise in crime rates and insecurity, as well as road traffic accidents. The use of psychoactive substances is also implicated in episodes of civil strife, conflicts and wars, such as the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria. This observation is likely to worsen over time if there is no coherent and strategic plan to halt and reverse this trend. The forecast portends higher crime rates, heightened insecurity, civil unrest and violent conflicts by 2050, if the rising trend of psychoactive substance use is not reversed. It is a scenario that will not augur well for the stability of Nigeria and the West African region. Methods: A narrative review of the published literature, as well as expert opinion deliberations was utilized to develop a comprehensive analysis of the strategic strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of psychoactive substance use and health security implications for Nigeria. Results: An array of the unique strengths and opportunities are spelt out; along with the inherent weaknesses and threats that should be taken into consideration in mapping out strategies to address the clear and present danger from the rising use of psychoactive substances in Nigeria. Conclusion: Recommended interventions should focus on public awareness campaigns, utilizing behaviour change communication strategies – with a special focus on prevention, mental health promotion activities, training and re-training of regulatory agencies, development and revision of existing policies, as well as better policing and enforcement of access restriction.
Association between depression and hypertension in the Ibadan Study of Ageing. African
(2020) Ajayi, S.O.; Oladeji, B.; Abiona, T.; Gureje, O.
Introduction: The elderly population is growing all over the world with attendant increase in occurrence of comorbid conditions. Using data from a longitudinal study of community-dwelling elderly persons in Nigeria, we explored the prevalence and corelates of hypertension and depression as well as the factors associated with the comorbidity of these two conditions. Methods: The Ibadan Study of Ageing, a longitudinal community-based cohort study conducted between 2003 and 2009 on the profile and determinants of successful ageing. A multistage cluster random sampling was used to select a cohort of elderly participants from across eight contiguous Yoruba speaking states in Nigeria- Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo. Participants (non-institutionalized elderly, aged 65 years or over) were assessed at 4 time points: baseline(2003/2004) and annually from 2007 (wave 1), 2008 (wave 2 and 2009 (wave 3). Data was collected in face-to-face interviews; depression was assessed using the World Mental Health initiative version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), social engagement was assessed using an adapted World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule WHODAS) and functional disability using activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Hypertension was defined according to the Joint National Committee-7(JNC7) recommendations as systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg and above, diastolic blood pressure of 90mmHg. This current study is based on cross-sectional data from the wave 1(2007) assessment. Results: Of the 1597 participants, 58% were females and 42% were 70 years and older. The mean age was 74.2 years (SD ±7.8). Nine hundred and ninety-eight (62.5%) participants had hypertension while 177 (10.6%) met the criteria for major depression while comorbid depression and hypertension was present in 122 (7.1%). The comorbidity of hypertension and depression was significantly associated with gender (higher in women) (p=0.001), insomnia (p=0.001), lack of family participation (p=0.001), lack of community participation (p=0.002), and experiencing a negative life event in the past year (p=0.003). In a multivariate analysis, lack of participation in family activities was associated with an increased risk of co-morbidity between hypertension and depression (OR 4.51, p=0.000, CI 2.14-9.50). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the comorbidity of depression and hypertension could potentially be minimized by modifying social risk factors such as keeping the elderly involved in family and community life participation by promoting their involvement in recreational and volunteer activities as well as social gatherings.
Childhood generalized specific phobia as an early marker of internalizing psychopathology across the lifespan: results from the World Mental Health Surveys
(BioMed Central (BMC), 2019) de Vries, Y. A.; Al-Hamzawi, A.; Alonso, J.; Borges, G.; Bruffaerts, R.; Bunting, B.; Caldas-de-Almeida, J. M.; Cia, A. H.; De Girolamo, G.; Dinolova, R. V.; Esan, O. B.; Florescu, S.; Gureje, O.; Haro, J. M.; Hu, C.; Karam, E. G.; Karam, A.; Kawakami, N.; Kiejna, A.; Kovess-Masfety, V.; WHO World Mental Health Survey Collaborators
Background: Specific phobia (SP) is a relatively common disorder associated with high levels of psychiatric comorbidity. Because of its early onset, SP may be a useful early marker of internalizing psychopathology, especially if generalized to multiple situations. This study aimed to evaluate the association of childhood generalized SP with comorbid internalizing disorders. Methods: We conducted retrospective analyses of the cross-sectional population-based World Mental Health Surveys using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Outcomes were lifetime prevalence, age of onset, and persistence of internalizing disorders; past-month disability; lifetime suicidality; and 12-month serious mental illness. Logistic and linear regressions were used to assess the association of these outcomes with the number of subtypes of childhood-onset (< 13 years) SP. Results: Among 123,628 respondents from 25 countries, retrospectively reported prevalence of childhood SP was 5.9%, 56% of whom reported one, 25% two, 10% three, and 8% four or more subtypes. Lifetime prevalence of internalizing disorders increased from 18.2% among those without childhood SP to 46.3% among those with one and 75.6% those with 4+ subtypes (OR=2.4, 95% CI 2.3–2.5, p< 0.001). Conclusions: This large international study shows that childhood-onset generalized SP is related to adverse outcomes in the internalizing domain throughout the life course. Comorbidity, persistence, and severity of internalizing disorders all increased with the number of childhood SP subtypes. Although our study cannot establish whether SP is causally associated with these poor outcomes or whether other factors, such as a shared underlying vulnerability, explain the association, our findings clearly show that childhood generalized SP identifies an important target group for early intervention.
Chronic pain conditions and depression in the Ibadan Study of Ageing
(Elsevier Inc, 2011) Oladeji, B.D.; Makanjuola, V.A.; Esan, O.B.; Gureje, O.
"Background—Chronic pain is quite common in the elderly and is often associated with co morbid depression, limitation of functioning and reduced quality of life. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether there is a differential risk of depression among persons with pain in different anatomical sites and to determine which pain conditions are independent risk factors for depression. Methods—Data is from the Ibadan Study of Ageing (ISA), a community based longitudinal survey of persons aged 65 years and older from eight contiguous Yoruba Speaking states in Nigeria (n = 2152). Data was collected in face-to-face interviews; depression was assessed using the World Mental Health initiative version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) while chronic pain was assessed by self-report (response rate = 74%). Results—Estimates of persistent pain (lasting more than 6 months), in different anatomical sites range from 1.3% to 12.8%, with the commonest being joint pains (12.8%), neck or back (spinal) pain (7.6%) and chest pain (3.0%). Significantly more pain conditions were reported by females and by respondents who were aged over 80 years. The risk for depression was higher in respondents with spinal, joint and chest pain. However, only chest pain was independently associated with depression after adjustments were made for pains at other sites and for functional disability. Conclusion—Our data suggests that, among elderly persons, there is a differential association of depression with chronic pain that is related to the anatomical site of the pain."
Collaboration Between Biomedical and Complementary and Alternative Care Providers: Barriers and Pathways
(SAGE Publishing, 2017) "Van der Watt, A.S.J.; Nortje, G.; Kola, L.; Appiah-Poku, J.; Othieno, C.; Harris, B.; Oladeji, B.D.; Esan, O.B.; Makanjuola, V.; Price, L.N.; Seedat, S.; Gureje, O.
We examined the scope of collaborative care for persons with mental illness as implemented by traditional healers, faith healers, and biomedical care providers. We conducted semistructured focus group discussions in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria with traditional healers, faith healers, biomedical care providers, patients, and their caregivers. Transcribed data were thematically analyzed. A barrier to collaboration was distrust, influenced by factionalism, charlatanism, perceptions of superiority, limited roles, and responsibilities. Pathways to better collaboration were education, formal policy recognition and regulation, and acceptance of mutual responsibility. This study provides a novel cross-national insight into the perspectives of collaboration from four stakeholder groups. Collaboration was viewed as a means to reach their own goals, rooted in a deep sense of distrust and superiority. In the absence of openness, understanding, and respect for each other, efficient collaboration remains remote. The strongest foundation for mutual collaboration is a shared sense of responsibility for patient well-being.
Collaborative shared care to improve psychosis outcome (COSIMPO): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
(BioMed Central, 2017) Gureje, O.; Makanjuola, V.; Kola, L.; Yusuf, B.; Price, L.; Esan, O.B.; Oladeji, B.D.; Appiah-Poku, J.; Haris, B.; Othieno, C.; Seedat, S.
Keywords Background: Psychotic disorders are a group of severe mental disorders that cause considerable disability to sufferers and a high level of burden to families. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), traditional and faith healers are the main providers of care to affected persons. Even though frequently canvassed as desirable for improved care delivery, collaboration between these complementary alternative health providers (CAPs) and conventional health providers has yet to be rigorously tested for feasibility and effectiveness on patient outcomes. Methods/design: COSIMPO is a single-blind, cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) being conducted in Nigeria and Ghana to compare the effectiveness of a collaborative shared care (CSC) intervention program implemented by CAPs and primary health care providers (PHCPs) with care as usual (CAU) at improving the outcome of patients with psychosis. The study is designed to test the hypotheses that patients receiving CSC will have a better clinical outcome and experience fewer harmful treatment practices from the CAPs than patients receiving CAU at 6 months after study entry. An estimated sample of 296 participants will be recruited from across 51 clusters, with a cluster consisting of a primary care clinic and its neighboring CAP facilities. CSC is a manualized intervention package consisting of regular and scheduled visits of PHCPs to CAP facilities to assist with the management of trial participants. Assistance includes the administration of antipsychotic medications, management of comorbid physical condition, assisting the CAP to avoid harmful treatment practices, and engaging with CAPs, caregivers and participants in planning discharge and rehabilitation. The primary outcome, assessed at 6 months following trial entry, is improvement on the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). Secondary outcomes, assessed at 3 and 6 months, consist of levels of disability, experience of harmful treatment practices and of victimization, and levels of perceived stigma and of caregivers’ burden. Discussion: Information about whether collaboration between orthodox and complementary health providers is feasible and can lead to improved outcome for patients is important to formulating policies designed to formally engage the services of traditional and faith healers within the public health system.
Combining depot antipsychotic with an assertive monitoring programme for treating first-episode schizophrenia in a resource- constrained setting
(John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd, 2016) Chiliza, B.; Ojagbemi, A.; Esan, O.B.; Asmal, L.; Oosthuizen, P.; Kidd, M.; Gureje, O.; Emsley, R.
Aim: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of depot antipsychotic (flupentixol decanoate) combined with an assertive monitoring programme (AMP) in first-episode schizophrenia. Methods: This was a prospective, non-comparative, longitudinal study conducted over 12 months assessing patient acceptance, adherence, outcome in domains of psychopathology, functionality and quality of life, and tolerability. Results: Of 207 participants, 149 (72%) completed 12 months of treatment. Acceptance of and adherence to depot was good. Treatment response was achieved by 170 (82%) participants and remission by 124 (60%). Thirty-three (19%) responders relapsed and10(5%) participants met a priori criteria for treatment resistance. Treatment was generally well tolerated. Conclusions: Combination of depot antipsychotic with an AMP maybe an effective and safe intervention linearly phase of schizophrenia, and may be particularly suitable for resource constrained settings.
Community study of knowledge of and attitude to mental illness in Nigeria
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2005) Gureje, O.; Lasebikan, V. O.; Ephraim-Oluwanuga, O.; Olley, B. O.; Kola, L.
Background: The improvement of community tolerance of people with Mental illness is important for their integration. Little is known about the knowledge of and attitude to mental illness in sub-Saharan Africa. Aims: To determine the knowledge and attitudes of a representative community sample in Nigeria. Method: A multistage, clustered sample of household respondents was studied in three states in the Yoruba-speaking parts of Nigeria (representing 22% of the national population). A total of 2040 individuals participated (response rate 74.2%). Results: Poor knowledge of causation was common. Negative views of mental illness were wide spread, with as many as 96.5% (s.d. =0.5) believing that people with mental illness are dangerous because of their violent behaviour. Most would not tolerate even basic social contacts with a mentally ill person: 82.7% (s.e.=1.3) would be afraid to have a conversation with a mentally ill person and only16.9% (s.e.=0.9) would consider marrying one. Socio-demographic predictors of both poor knowledge and intolerant attitude were generally very few. Conclusions: There is widespread stigmatisation of mental illness in the Nigerian community. Negative attitudes to mental illness may be fuelled by notions of causation that suggest that affected people are in some way responsible for their illness, and by fear.
Concepts of madness in diverse settings: a qualitative study from the INTREPID project.
(BioMed Central, 2016) Cohen, A.; Padmavati, R.; Hibben, M.; Oyewusi, S.; John, S.; Esan, O.B.; Patel, V.; Weiss, H.; Murray, R.; Hutchinson, G.; Gureje, O.; Thara, R.; Morgan, C.
Background: In order to facilitate case identification of incident (untreated and recent onset) cases of psychosis and controls in three sites in India, Nigeria and Trinidad, we sought to understand how psychoses (or madness) were conceptualized locally. The evidence we gathered also contributes to a long history of research on concepts of madness in diverse settings. Methods: We conducted focus group discussions and individual interviews to collect information about how informants in each site make sense of and respond to madness. A coding framework was developed and analyses of transcripts from the FGDs and interviews were conducted. Results: Analyses suggest the following: a) disturbed behaviors are the primary sign of madness; b) madness is attributed to a wide range of causes; and, c) responses to madness are dictated by cultural and pragmatic factors. These findings are congruent with similar research that has been conducted over the past 50 years. Conclusions: The INTREPID research suggests that concepts about madness share similar features across diverse settings: a) terms for madness are often derived from a common understanding that involves disruptions in mental processes and capacities; b) madness is recognized mostly by disruptive behaviours or marked declines in functioning; c) causal attributions are varied; and, d) help-seeking is a complex process.
Depression and disability: comparisons with common physical conditions in the Ibadan study of aging
(Elsevier Ltd., 2008-11) Gureje, O.; Ademola, A.; Olley, B. O.
Objectives: To compare the effects of depression and chronic physical conditions on disability in elderly persons. Setting: Yoruba-speaking areas of Nigeria. Design: Interviews. Participants: Community-dwelling persons aged 65 and older. Method: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a representative sample of community-dwelling persons aged 65 and older (N= 2,152) in the Yoruba-speaking areas of Nigeria (representing ~22% of the national population). Major depressive disorder (MDD) was assessed using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Chronic pain and medical disorders were assessed using self-report. Disorder-specific disability was evaluated using the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). Results: MDD was highly comorbid with each of the medical conditions (odds ratio range 1.3–2.0). A higher proportion of persons with MDD (47.2%) were rated severely disabled globally than those with arthritis (20.6%), chronic spinal pain (24.2%), or high blood pressure (25.0%). Subjects with MDD were also more likely to be severely disabled in three of the four domains of the SDS. In pair-wise comparisons, persons with MDD had significantly higher levels of disability than those with any of the disorders, with differences in mean scores ranging between -3.74 and -27.50. Conclusion: To reduce the public health burden of depression, its prevention and treatment require more clinical and research attention than currently given by developing countries.
Depression in adult Nigerians: results from the Nigerian Survey of Mental Health and Well-being
(Cambridge University Press & Assessment, 2010) Gureje, O.; Uwakwe, R.; Oladeji, B.; Makanjuola, V.O.; Esan, O.B.
Background: Community-based studies of the rates and profile of depression among Africans are still sparse. Methods: As part of the World Mental Health Surveys initiative, a clustered multi-stage sampling of households in 21 of Nigeria's 36 states (representing 57% of the national population) was implemented to select adults aged 18 years and over(N=6752)for face-to-face interviews using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0). Diagnosis of major depressive episode (MDE) was based on the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition. Results: Lifetime and 12 monthestimatesofMDEwere3.1%(standarderror0.3) and1.1% (s.e.0.1), receptively. Increasing age was associated with higher estimates of positive responses to stem (screen)questions for depression and of lifetime disorders among stem-positive respondents. The mean age of onset was about 29.2 years. The median (inter quantile range, IQR) duration of an episode among lifetime cases was 1.0 (2.0–2.4) year and the median (IQR) number of lifetime episodes was 1.5 (2.0–2.8). MDE was highly comorbid with anxiety disorders, musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain and ulcer. The odds ratio of lifetime suicide attempt among persons with lifetime MDEwas11.6(95%confidenceinterval,3.9–34.9).Over25%of12-monthcaseswererated as severely disabled in the performance of usual roles. Only 16.9%(i.e. 5.0) of 12-monthcases had received any treatment. Limitations: All data were based on self-reports. Conclusion: MDE, defined according to DSM-IV, is a risk factor for mental and physical comorbidity as well as disability in Nigerians. Age-related telescoping or denial may partly explain the low rates in this young population
A descriptive epidemiology of substance use and substance use disorders in Nigeria during the early 21st century
(Elsevier Ltd., 2007) Gureje, O.; Degenhardt, L.; Olley, B; Uwakwe, R.; Udofia, O; Wakil, A; Adeyemi, O; Bohnert, K. M.; Anthony, J. C.
Background: Several studies have examined the use of psychoactive substances among selected groups in Nigeria. Here, we extend the description to include the features of substance dependence. Method: A stratified multi-stage random sampling of households was used to select respondents in 21 of Nigeria's 36 states (representing 57% of the national population). In-person interviews with 6752 adults were conducted using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview, Version 3. Lifetime history and recent (past year) use, as well as features of dependence on, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, sedatives, stimulants, and other drugs were assessed. Results: Alcohol was the most commonly used substance, with 56% (95% confidence interval, CI = 54, 58%) ever users and 14% (95% CI = 13, 15%) recent (past year) users, Roughly 3% were recent smokers (3%, 95% CI = 2.6, 4.2%). Next most common were sedatives. 4% (95% CI = 2.3, 4.5%), and cannabis smokers, 0.4% (95% CI =0.1, 0.6%). Males were more likely than females to be users of every drug group investigated, with male preponderance being particularly marked for cannabis. Prevalence of both alcohol and tobacco use was highest among middle aged adults. Moslems were much less likely to use alcohol than persons of other faiths, but no such association was found for tobacco, non-prescription drug use, or illegal drug use. Features of abuse and dependence were more common at the population level for alcohol; but among users, these features were just as likely to be experienced by alcohol users as they were by other drug users. Conclusion: Alcohol is the most commonly used psychoactive drug' in Nigeria. Features associated with drug dependence and abuse arc less prevalent but may require attention by public health authorities.
Determinants of transition across the spectrum of alcohol use and misuse in Nigeria
(Elsevier Inc, 2013) Esan, O.B.; Makanjuola, V.; Oladeji, B.; Gureje, O.
Many studies have examined the risk factors associated with alcohol use disorders. No information is available from developing countries about the factors that may determine the transitions across different levels of use and misuse. Alcohol use and its misuse were assessed in a cohort of 2143 Nigerians using Version 3.0 of the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WHO-CIDI). This generated six levels of alcohol use and related disorders. Using age of onset variables created for the purpose, analysis was done to determine rates of and risk factor for transition between the levels. Lifetime prevalence estimates were 57.8% for alcohol use, 27.6% for regular use, 2.9% for abuse, and 0.3% for dependence. Whereas 47.8% transited to regular use from lifetime ever use, only 10.5% transited to abuse from regular use and 9.5% from abuse to dependence. Male sex, age 18e49 years and being never married predicted onset of alcohol use. Transition to regular use was predicted only by male sex while transition to abuse was predicted by male sex and age 35e49 years. Factors associated with recovery from abuse were female sex and a student status. Higher rates of transition occurred in the stages preceding the onset of alcohol use disorders. Sex and age were the main determinants of transition, with male gender and middle age being risk factors for transition to problematic use of alcohol.
Do beliefs about causation influence attitudes to mental illness?
(Elsevier Ltd., 2006-06) Gureje, O.; Olley, O.; Ephraim-Oluwanuga, O.; Kola, L.
Studies indicate that stigmatizing attitudes to mental illness are rampant in the community worldwide. It is unclear whether views about the causation of mental disorders identify persons with more negative attitudes. Using data collected as part of a community study of knowledge of and attitudes to mental illness in Nigeria, we examined the relationships between views about causation and attitudes. Persons holding exclusively biopsychosocial views of causation were not different from those holding exclusively religious-magical views in regard to socio-demographic attributes, and the two groups were not very dissimilar when general knowledge of the nature of mental illness was compared. However, religious-magical views of causation were more associated with negative and stigmatizing attitudes to the mentally ill. Findings demonstrate the challenge of developing and delivering an educational program to change public attitudes to mental illness.
Do Young Schizophrenics with Recent onset of Illness Show Evidence of Hypofrontality?
(1994) Gureje, O.; Olley, O.; Acha, R. A.; Osuntokun, B. O.
Young schizophrenic patients (n = 43), manic controls (n = 32), both groups diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria and on remission from acute illness, and 53 normal subjects were given a battery of neuropsychologic tests selected to assess different functional areas in the brain. Compared with normal controls, patient groups showed evidence of impaired functioning of many cortical areas but with the schizophrenics having the worst performance. In addition, schizophrenic patients performed poorly in tests designed to assess frontotemporal cortical functioning. This pattern of deficits differentiated schizophrenics from both manic and normal subjects. The results suggest that widespread cognitive deficits are a feature of both schizophrenia and mania but that frontal lobe dysfunction may be more specific to the former. It would also appear that these impairments are not artefacts of age, chronicity or of institutionalization, and are present even in schizophrenic patients who may have an illness with putative better outcome than those studied in previous reports.
Effect of collaborative care between traditional and faith healers and primary health-care workers on psychosis outcomes in Nigeria and Ghana (COSIMPO): a cluster randomised controlled trial
(Elsevier Ltd, 2020) Gureje, O.; Appiah-Poku, J.; Bello, T.; Kola, L.; Araya, R.; Chisholm, D.; Esan, O.B.; Harris, B.; Makanjuola, V.; Othieno, C.; Price, L.
Background: Traditional and faith healers (TFH) provide care to a large number of people with psychosis in many sub Saharan African countries but they practise outside the formal mental health system. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a collaborative shared care model for psychosis delivered by TFH and primary health-care providers (PHCW). Methods: In this cluster-randomised trial in Kumasi, Ghana and Ibadan, Nigeria, we randomly allocated clusters (a primary care clinic and neighbouring TFH facilities) 1:1, stratified by size and country, to an intervention group or enhanced care as usual. The intervention included a manualised collaborative shared care delivered by trained TFH and PHCW. Eligible participants were adults (aged ≥18 years) newly admitted to TFH facilities with active psychotic symptoms (positive and negative syndrome scale [PANSS] score ≥60). The primary outcome, by masked assessments at 6 months, was the difference in psychotic symptom improvement as measured with the PANSS in patients in follow-up at 3 and 6 months. Patients exposure to harmful treatment practices, such as shackling, were also assessed at 3 and 6 months. Care costs were assessed at baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-up, and for the entire 6 months of follow-up. This trial was registered with the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trial registry, NCT02895269. Findings: Between Sept 1, 2016, and May 3, 2017, 51 clusters were randomly allocated (26 intervention, 25 control) with 307 patients enrolled (166 [54%] in the intervention group and 141 [46%] in the control group). 190 (62%) of participants were men. Baseline mean PANSS score was 107∙3 (SD 17∙5) for the intervention group and 108∙9 (18∙3) for the control group. 286 (93%) completed the 6-month follow-up at which the mean total PANSS score for intervention group was 53∙4 (19∙9) compared with 67∙6 (23∙3) for the control group (adjusted mean difference –15∙01 (95% CI –21∙17 to –8∙84; 0·0001). Harmful practices decreased from 94 (57%) of 166 patients at baseline to 13 (9%) of 152 at 6 months in the intervention group (–0∙48 [–0∙60 to –0∙37] (p<0.001) and from 59 (42%) of 141 patients to 13 (10%) of 134 in the control group (–0·33 [–0∙45 to –0∙21] (p<0.001) with no significant difference between the two groups. Greater reductions in overall care costs were seen in the intervention group than in the control group. At the 6-month assessment, greater reductions in total health service and time costs were seen in the intervention group; however, cumulative costs over this period were higher (US $627 per patient vs $526 in the control group). Five patients in the intervention group had mild extrapyramidal side effects. Interpretation: A collaborative shared care delivered by TFH and conventional health-care providers for people with psychosis was effective and cost-effective. The model of care offers the prospect of scaling up improved care to this vulnerable population in settings with low resources
Epidemiology of schizophrenia-- an update with a focus on developing countries
(Taylor & Francis, 2012) Esan, O.B.; Ojagbemi, A.; Gureje, O.
Developments over the past few decades in analytical epidemiological research in schizophrenia have challenged some long-held views about the disorder. For example, the conventional view that schizophrenia may have a favourable outcome in developing countries is currently being challenged by emerging empirical data. However, quality research from develop ing countries is still relatively scarce. In this article we review some major epidemiological fi ndings of schizophrenia with a focus on data from the developing world and within the context of the methodological issues and challenges associ ated with such studies.
Explanatory model of psychosis: impact on perception of self-stigma by patients in three sub-saharan African cities
(Springer Science + Business Media, 2016) Makanjuola, V.; Esan, O.B.; Oladeji, B.; Kola, L.; Appiah-Poku, J.; Harris, B.; Othieno, C.; Price, L.; Seedat, S.; Gureje, O.
Mental disorders are cross-culturally ubiquitous [1]. Psychosis is, by far, the more easily recognisable form of mental disorder by the lay public and traditional healers [2]. While the experience of psychosis is universal, interpretation of the experience, notions of causation, treatment, preferred source of care, and the consequences and perceptions of associated stigma vary from one culture to another. We used a mixed-methods approach consisting of in-depth interviews with key informants to explore respondents’ explanatory models of the causation of psychosis as well as questionnaire assessment of the level of internalized (or self) stigma. The conduct of the interviews was guided by the specifications of the McGill Illness Narrative Interview (MINI) [32], a semi-structured interview guide which, among other things, elicits lay illness narratives. A purposively selected sample of patients who were receiving treatment from traditional healers was interviewed. The transcribed interviews were read several times by the first author and subjected to thematic analysis. Supernatural and biopsychosocial explanatory models of the causation of psychosis were both endorsed by our respondents. Despite this, the majority of the respondents with severe forms of self-stigma held supernatural attributions. However, we also found that some respondents with low self-stigma embraced a supernatural model while some respondents with high self-stigma proffered a biopsychosocial explanation. Our findings suggest that individualising interventions to minimize self-stigma may be a better approach than programs that generically promote biopsychosocial models or discourage supernatural models.