Original R
esearch Article
Psychosocial Characteristics of Patients Admitted to a
Drug Rehabilitation Unit in Nigeria
George O Eze, Bawo O James*, Joyce O Omoaregba and
Reuben O Osahon
Department of
Clinical Services, Federal Psychiatric Hospital, PMB
1108, Uselu, Benin City, Nigeria
*For
Correspondence:
Tel:
+234-80237-15213
Email:
bawojames@yahoo.com
Received:
02-Dec-09 Revised: 30-Dec-09 Accepted:
31-Dec-09
International Journal of Health Research,
December
2009; 2(4):
333-338
Abstract
Purpose:
To identify the
pattern and psychosocial characteristics of alcohol and
other psychoactive substance use among patients admitted
to a drug treatment unit of a regional psychiatric
hospital in Benin City, Nigeria.
Methods:
A cross-sectional
survey of 90 in-patients was conducted over a 6 month
period, using a specially designed questionnaire to
elicit socio-demographic and personality
characteristics. Patterns of psychoactive substance use
were obtained by self reporting and corroborated from
case notes. Associated psychiatric diagnoses were
recorded according to clinicians’ diagnosis using to the
ICD-10.
Results:
Majority of
respondents were single (86.7%), male (92.2%), and
unemployed (62.2%) with up to 12 years formal education
(52.2%) and raised by both parents (60%) in polygamous
family settings. Most (52.2%) misused a combination of
psychoactive substances. Some (41.1%) had been using
these substances for over 7 yr prior to admission.
Psychiatric co-morbidity was infrequent (60%) and the
commonest psychiatric diagnosis seen was schizophrenia
(23.3%). A minority reported a history of parental use
of psychoactive substances. Shy, reserved and sociable
traits were seen in a minority of respondents.
Conclusion:
Combinations of
psychoactive substances are usually misused by young
males from polygamous family settings. Cannabis use
accounts for a high proportion of in-patient admissions.
The successful management of substance use disorders
needs preventive social strategies among vulnerable
groups in resource-poor settings like ours.
Keywords:
psychoactive substance use, psycho-social,
socio-demographic characteristics.
