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Original Research
Barriers to care among people with schizophrenia attending a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Nigeria
Submitted: 15 March 2019 | Published: 21 October 2019
About the author(s)
Bawo O. James, Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, NigeriaFelicia I. Thomas, Synapse Centre for Psychological Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
Omonefe J. Seb-Akahomen, Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
Nosa G. Igbinomwanhia, Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
Chinwe F. Inogbo, Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
Graham Thornicroft, Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, Kings College London, England, United Kingdom
Abstract
Background: Individuals with schizophrenia in low- and middle-income countries and their caregivers face multiple barriers to care-seeking and continuous engagement with treatment services. Identifying specific barrier patterns would aid targeted interventions aimed at improving treatment access.
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine stigma- and non-stigma-related barriers to care-seeking among persons with schizophrenia in Nigeria.
Setting: This study was conducted at the Outpatient Clinics of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of a dyad of persons with schizophrenia and caregivers (n = 161) attending outpatient services at a neuro-psychiatric hospital in Nigeria. Stigma- and non-stigma-related barriers were assessed using the 30-item Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE) scale.
Results: Lack of insight, preference for alternative care, illness severity and financial constraints were common barriers to care-seeking among persons with schizophrenia. Females were significantly more likely to report greater overall treatment barrier (p < 0.01) and stigma-related barriers (p < 0.02).
Conclusion: This study shows that attitudinal barriers impede care access and engagement among persons with schizophrenia in Nigeria.
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