Biomedical subjects

M L Adelekan

Publications and source records attributed to M L Adelekan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Traditional mental health practitioners in Kwara State, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, practice and attitude of traditional mental health practitioners (TMHPs) in four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara State, Nigeria, on mental health care; to organise training sessions aimed at improving their knowledge base, practice and; to evaluate such training after allowing for a period of practice. STUDY DESIGN/INTERVENTION: Pre-training evaluation phase: TMHPs were assessed in the area of knowledge, attitude and practice of mental health, with the use of a questionnaire. They were then trained in the concepts of normality and abnormality, types of mental illness, treatment of mental illness including follow up, after-care, relapse prevention, other primary preventive measures, and some introductory talks on some sub-specialties of psychiatry, for example, child psychiatry, old age psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, drug and alcohol abuse and; after a free-practice period of two months, the TMHPs were again reassessed for the impact of the training. RESULTS: Pre-intervention phase: TMHPs could easily recognise most symptoms of mental illness except undue sadness. The TMHPs also expressed strong belief in the supernatural factor as a cause of mental illness. Some of them beat their patients for therapeutic reasons and; Post-intervention phase: there was a widening of the sense of recognition of TMHPs of important mental symptoms such as undue sadness, social withdrawal and elation. There was a better understanding of the aetiological concepts of mental illness. There was also a reduction in the habit of beating their patients as a form of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The use of information, education and communication intervention techniques could lead to more positive and less hazardous forms of practice among TMHPs and; The high level of cooperation achieved in this study would indicate a bright chance for future collaborative activities between orthodox and traditional healthcare providers.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Rehabilitation of heroin and cocaine abusers managed in a Nigerian psychiatric hospital.

Eighty patients, managed primarily for heroin and cocaine dependence at the Drug Rehabilitation Unit of Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, were followed up monthly for a period of 12 months post-discharge and assessed with regard to continued substance use, employment status and illegal activities. The management package included full assessment, detoxification, treatment of associated physical conditions, group therapy sessions, occupational and vocational rehabilitation. The sample was predominantly male (91%), young adults (mean age 29.1 years; SD 5.99) and single (58%). Although 95% had some formal education, many were school drop-outs, and only 31.3% were gainfully employed. The majority (84%), used a combination of heroin and cocaine, almost all on a daily basis, mainly by smoking and "chasing the dragon" (95%). Other substances reportedly used preadmission were alcohol (22.5%), cannabis (76.3%) and tobacco (97.5%). Less than one half (43.8%) completed the minimum one month required for inpatient treatment. Only seven (8.7%) attended the follow-up clinic regularly, but all defaulters were assessed in their homes. The level of heroin, cocaine and cannabis use, as well as report of illegal activities, dropped sharply from the first month post-discharge, but started to rise again (albeit slowly) by the second half of the follow-up period. There was only a slight insignificant gain in employment status of patients during the follow-up period. The community-based management approach is strongly advocated as a way of addressing the several factors identified in this study as militating against the successful management of substance abusers.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Psychosocial correlates of substance use among undergraduates in Ilorin University, Nigeria.

The consistency of psychosocial correlates of alcohol, cigarettes and cannabis use was evaluated among undergraduates of a Nigerian University. The correlates were derived from repeat cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1988 and 1993, when 649 and 859 respondents respectively completed a standardised WHO substance-use questionnaire. Information provided on substance use patterns were correlated with socio-demographic variables, familial and best friend's usage, perceived availability and perceived harmfulness. Consistency was found in the significant correlations between the following: (i) lack of religiosity and the use of the three substances; (ii) drinking and the presence of study difficulty, strained relationship with teachers and belonging to the Christian religion; (iii) smoking and the male gender, and self-reported poor mental health; (iv) cannabis use and belonging to the older age group; (v) respondents' use of the substances and use in the peer group, siblings, and parents in that order; (vi) perception of substance as harmful and low use rates; (vii) perception of easy availability and high use rates. Some correlates were inconsistent, while some new ones emerged. The significance of the correlates in terms of packaging intervention programmes is discussed, against the background of the inherent limitations of the study design.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Caring for people with AIDS in a Nigerian teaching hospital: staff attitudes and knowledge.

Health workers (HWs) play a pivotal role in preventative programmes being implemented to combat the steady increase in the prevalence of HIV infection and AIDS in Nigeria. We report on a questionnaire survey conducted in October, 1993 among 111 doctors, 92 nurses and 53 non-health workers at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. The aim was to assess their knowledge of AIDS (for all groups) and the attitude of the HWs only towards the care of patients with AIDS (PWAs). Although important gaps in knowledge were found in all groups, doctors performed significantly better than non-health workers on 22 out of 23 knowledge items, and more than nurses on 8 of such items. Nurses scored significantly higher than non-health workers on 18 of the knowledge items and more than doctors on one knowledge item. About one in three nurses would hesitate to nurse a PWA, while half would not participate in birth delivery. Also, about a quarter of doctors would hesitate to treat a PWA while one in three would not carry out surgery despite adequate precautions. The findings compare favourably with those reported from other countries. However, they still indicate the need for a comprehensive AIDS education package to improve the knowledge base and allay fears for all groups and to prepare HWs for the important task of caring for PWAs.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1995

Lagos "area boys and girls" in rehabilitation: their substance use and psychosocial profiles.

We report on the psychosocial and substance use profiles of the 55 "Area Boys and Girls" (ABG) admitted to a Rehabilitation Camp in Lagos between March and May 1993 under the main auspices of the People's Bank of Nigeria. The majority were males (73%); young adults (mean age/SD: 30.6/6.3); unemployed (73%); not married (80%); of low educational standing (87%) and from low socio-economic background (over 70%). Almost all were current users of heroin (89%) and cocaine (87%), procured with a substantial amount of money and administered mainly through smoking and "chasing the dragon". None of the clients reported injecting the drug. These findings have highlighted the intricate nature of the problems of ABG and the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation package encompassing general medical, psychological and psychiatric care. Such programmes, ideally free, should be a joint venture between the government, international agencies, non-governmental organizations and the community as a whole. The key emphasis should be on equipping the clients with occupational skills for life-long economic sustenance. To curtail the growing numbers of displaced young people in the country, the government should give due attention to the root causes of the multiple social ills in the society.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Reliability and validity of the Westminster Substance Use Questionnaire among Lancashire adolescents.

The reliability and validity of the Westminster Substance Use Questionnaire (WASQ) was examined in a pilot study involving a sample of secondary school pupils in Blackburn borough, Lancashire, UK. The questionnaire performed well on all the indices tested and the findings of the exercise facilitated a fairly accurate and meaningful interpretation of the prevalence data obtained in the main study. The instrument is thus recommended for use in adolescent substance use surveys in the UK and elsewhere although further validation or slight modification may be necessary to suit local needs.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Psychosocial correlates of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use: findings from a Nigerian university.

The possible correlates of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use were investigated in a survey conducted among undergraduate students of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Factors that emerged as common correlates to the three substances investigated were peer influence, self-reported poor mental health, religiousity, parental/guardian supervision, perceived availability and perceived harmfulness. In addition, drinking and smoking were found to be commoner among the male sex and among respondents who reported study difficulty. There was also a significant positive relationship between cannabis use and a polygamous family background and belonging to an older age group. Although the data used in the analysis is limited due to its cross-sectional nature, the observations made are useful enough for the formulation of primary prevention strategies. A further and more elaborate longitudinal study is, however, suggested.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Prevalence and pattern of substance use among undergraduates in a Nigerian University.

The prevalence and pattern of substance use was investigated among undergraduate students of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria in June 1988. Six hundred and forty-nine students completed a 117-item self-report questionnaire 636 of which were analysed. Mean age and S.D. of respondents was 23 +/- 3.7 years; 69% were males. The most commonly used substances with their 'lifetime' prevalence rates were as follows: salicylate analgesics, 95.2%; alcohol, 77%; stimulants, 69.2%; antibiotics, 63.3%; hypno-sedatives, 49.4% and cigarettes, 37.4%. The corresponding 'current use' rates were relatively lower. Low use was recorded for cannabis, organic solvents, hallucinogens, cocaine and narcotic analgesics. Majority of the 'current users' use the substances on an occasional basis except for cigarettes where more than half reported weekly or daily use. Males were significantly more of 'current' users of cigarettes and alcohol while females tend to use stimulants more. The use of most of the substances started in primary school. The need for a comprehensive demand-reduction programme in Nigeria based on this and other local findings was advocated. Continuous monitoring, particularly of hard drug use, appears imperative.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Nigerian secondary school teachers: a pilot survey of views and knowledge about drug abuse.

The views and knowledge level of 135 randomly selected Secondary School teachers in the Abeokuta Local Government area of Ogun State on drug abuse were sought through a self report anonymous questionnaire. They were mostly male teachers (59.3%) under the age of 30 years (89.6%). The majority (59.3%) were never exposed to drug education as students whilst less than 20% have been exposed since qualifying as teachers. 72.6% do not currently teach their students Drug education. Although the majority had a good concept of the definition of drug abuse, their view on the potential drugs of abuse and the concept of "drug dependence" were inadequate. Respondents recently exposed to drug education were more likely to identify salicylate analgesics as potential drugs of abuse at a statistically significantly level (p less than 0.05). 85.9% of the respondents chose "guidance counselling" as the approach to the management of student drug abusers despite the dearth of this professional cadre in the schools. The disquieting implications of these findings in relation to the National Campaign aimed at stemming the increasing tide of drug abuse among youths in the country were discussed and suggestions proffered on ways of rectifying these. Finally the authors gave suggestions on the pattern and content of teacher-targetted formal drug education programme in the light of the findings.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Secondary school teachers' knowledge and views about drug abuse in Ogun State, Nigeria--a pilot survey.

The views and knowledge level of 135 randomly selected secondary school teachers in the Abeokuta Local Government Area of Ogun State in Nigeria on drug abuse were sought through a self-report anonymous questionnaire. The respondents were mostly male (59.3%) under the age of thirty years (89.6%). The majority (59.3%) were never exposed to drug education as students while less than 20 percent have been exposed since qualifying as teachers. Although the majority had a good concept of the definition of drug abuse, their views on the potential drugs of abuse and the concept of "drug dependence" were inadequate. Eighty-five and nine-tenths percent chose "guidance counselling" as the approach to the management of student drug abusers despite the death of this professional cadre in the schools. The authors gave suggestions on the pattern and content of teacher-targeted formal drug education program in light of the findings.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

The reliability and validity of the WHO student drug-use questionnaire among Nigerian students.

The reliability and validity of the World Health Organization student drug-use survey model questionnaire was tested among 96 senior secondary school students in the Abeokuta Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The exercise was the major theme of a pilot study of a student drug-use survey carried out in this area. The test-retest interval was 4 weeks. The questionnaire was found to be reliable when group and individual (item by item) comparisons were made. The validity scores were also comparable to those of widely accepted previous studies. It was concluded that the questionnaire is reliable and valid enough for use in this environment to allow for comparisons. It can also yield better results if slightly modified and when respondents become more familiar with questionnaire surveys.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Alcohol treatment systems in Nigeria.

In a review of the studies on alcohol use in Nigeria, evidence shows that within the last decade there has been a rapid increase in alcohol availability (production/importation) and alcohol consumption. Similarly, the literature on the subject reveals an increasing trend in alcohol-related psychosocial and physical health hazards. This observation prompted a review of the existing alcohol treatment methods in Nigeria. These treatment methods include: traditional healers' approach, syncretic churches, government hospitals including a specialised drug addiction centre and voluntary agencies. Suggestions are made on how to improve alcohol treatment systems and data collection in Nigeria.

Alcoholism↗

PubMed1989

Self-reported drug use among secondary school students in the Nigerian state of Ogun.

A survey of drug use, based on a sample of 990 students in their fourth and final year of secondary school in the Abeokuta local government area of the State of Ogun in Nigeria was conducted by means of a self-report drug-use questionnaire in September 1986. There were 534 male and 377 female respondents. Their mean age was 16.4 and the majority (89 per cent) of them were from the lower or middle socio-economic levels. The most commonly used drugs were salicylate analgesics, mild stimulants, alcohol, antibiotics and diazepam. Low use was recorded for barbiturates, cannabis, organic solvents and cocaine, and there was no reported use of narcotic analgesics or hallucinogens. Females used diazepam significantly more than males. Most users had their first contact with drugs in primary school. The author stressed the need to develop a viable drug-abuse preventive programme and a comprehensive data base in Ogun.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1987

Drinking behaviour and social change among youths in Nigeria--a study of two cities.

Earlier studies on alcohol use in Nigeria identified young and middle-aged male adults as mainly concerned. In the last decade however, there has been a noticeable trend of youths getting more and more involved in alcohol use. Some of these latter studies, apart from indicating the increasing involvement of the female sex, have also shown various pathologies associated with alcohol use in Nigeria youths. Most of these reports only looked at alcohol use in the broader context of drug and alcohol abuse in the Nigerian society. However, in the present cross-sectional study of drug use involving 2079 senior secondary school students in two major cities of Nigeria (Ibadan and Abeokuta), prevalence rates of alcohol use was 56% for Ibadan and 51.5% for Abeokuta. The male/female ratio of the users was 1.1:1 in Ibadan and 1.2:1 in Abeokuta. Males used alcohol significantly more than females in each of the two cities (P less than 0.025). Alcohol use was found more common among younger students in the lower school classes and also among those from higher and medium socioeconomic background. Among contributing factors were parental deprivation and delinquency. Alcohol users were also found to be more involved in accidents and the use of other psycho-active drugs than non-users.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Current status of traditional mental health practice in Ilorin Emirate Council area, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Twenty-seven traditional mental health practitioners (TMHPs) and 16 patients' relatives (PR) were studied with a view to gaining an understanding of the current status of traditional mental health practice in five local government areas in Ilorin Emirate Council Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. Data was collected using Practitioners' Questionnaire (PQ), Patients' Relatives' Questionnaire (PRQ), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and observation of TMHPs in their clinics. Factors which affect utilization of traditional mental health services were also reviewed. We found that TMHPs still enjoy considerable patronage from the populace, are more in numerical strength, and are more widely and evenly dispersed in the community than orthodox mental health practitioners (OMHPs). About 74% of TMHPs expressed interest in attending seminars aimed at improving their skills. Most of the patients' relatives expressed the belief that only traditional healers can understand the supernatural aetiological basis of mental disorders, and can therefore offer more effective care than OMHPs. Some of the negative practices observed were (i) infliction of corporal punishment and physical restraints on patients by some TMHPs resulting in wounds, which often become septic (ii) low level of hygiene at the clinics and (iii) lack of adequate follow-up care. In conclusion, since TMHPs still play a major role in the treatment of the mentally ill in this environment, OMHPs should assist them in improving on some of the negative practices identified. Thus, there is an urgent need to organize a training programme for TMHPs to expose them to the general rules of hygiene in medical care, basic principles of orthodox mental health practice, including human treatment of the mentally ill.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Epidemiology of childhood behavioural disorders in Ilorin, Nigeria--findings from parental reports.

We report the findings of a survey aimed at determining the prevalence, pattern and psychosocial correlates of childhood psychiatric disorders among primary school pupils in Ilorin, Kwara State. Eight hundred and forty-six parents completed the 31-item Rutter scale A2 and an additional pro-forma on the developmental and family history of their children. The most commonly reported symptoms were headache, vomiting, tempertantrums, restlessness, disobedience and fearfulness. Using Rutter's cut off point of 13, 157 (18.6%) qualified as cases: neurotic disorders (7.3%), antisocial disorders (8%) and undifferentiated disorders (3.3%). Males were over-represented, albeit non-significantly, among the neurotic and antisocial groups. Mothers of high scorers (HSs) reported significantly more physical and emotional problems during pregnancy. HSs were significantly more likely to (i) have had delayed developmental milestones (ii) have suffered a major illness during childhood (iii) come from broken homes, and (iv) attend school located in the rural area. Our prevalence rate compares well with those reported in Africa and elsewhere. To address the identified unmet needs of children in this environment, we suggest the need to establish a comprehensive child mental health package, which could be incorporated into the existing primary health care programme. The package should encompass the three tiers of prevention, and involve the active participation of parents, teachers, educational, as well as health professionals.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

5-yearly monitoring of trends of substance use among secondary school students in Ilorin, Nigeria, 1988-1998.

This report describes the trends of substance use among youths by comparing data collected among senior secondary school students in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria at 5-yearly intervals (1988-1998). In 1998, data were collected from 750 senior secondary school students from six secondary schools in the study area using a self-report 117-item questionnaire based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for student substance-use surveys. Substances investigated in the survey were alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis, strong and mild stimulants, hypnosedatives, antibiotics, cocaine, heroin, organic solvents and hallucinogens. These data were compared with similar ones collected from students with similar characteristics, and from the same six schools in 1988 and 1993. It was found that high use substances were mild stimulants, antibiotics and alcohol, while cigarettes, cannabis, heroin and cocaine remained low-use substances. Most current users of all the substances were occasional users, except for cigarettes and cannabis where more frequent (daily and weekly) usage was reported. There was also a significant increase in the use of alcohol, organic solvents, mild stimulants and hypnosedatives, and a significant reduction in cigarette smoking over the three data waves. No gender difference was recorded for alcohol, hypnosedatives and cocaine use in the three data waves. It was concluded that although some substances recorded significant increases in their usage over the three data waves, the current use rates were still generally low and comparable to those of other Nigerian studies. Substances used were those employed mainly for study purposes (mild stimulants and hypnosedatives), and most students used the substances only on occasional basis. Nonetheless, in view of the rapidly changing socio-economic life of Ilorin City, it has become imperative to continue with the 5-yearly monitoring of trends.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Rehabilitation and follow-up issues in drug abusers managed at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

The authors report on sixty two (62) patients treated at the drug abuse unit of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Nigeria over a 17-month period (June 1985-October 1986). Drugs mainly abused were marijuana (53.5%, alcohol (28.2%) and hard drugs (mainly heroin and cocaine) which accounted for 14.3%. All the patients went through a programme of assessment, detoxification, individual counselling, group psychotherapy and rehabilitation. Their length of stay in the hospital was (mean +/- SD) 64 + 44 days. Factors that militated against successful rehabilitation were the severity of the patients' illness at presentation, unemployment coupled with poor educational status and distance from the hospital of patient's normal abode. Sixty seven percent had defaulted 6 months after discharge from the hospital. Non-defaulters at 2 months performed well on some parameters assessed. Possible ways of ensuring proper rehabilitation and follow-up of this group of patients are discussed.

Adult↗