Pattern of substance abuse at the drug de-addiction unit of a Nigerian psychiatric hospital

Substance abuse is a complex challenge of modern society with significant public health importance. The aim of the study was to identify the common drugs of abuse, socio-demographic features and clinical characteristics of individuals who abuse substance in a drug de-addiction unit of a psychiatric hospital in Nigeria. It was a crosssectional descriptive survey of 86 in-patients of the drug de-addiction unit of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, South-Eastern Nigeria. A modified questionnaire by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Nigeria Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (NENDU) was used to obtain the data. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20. Results show that the primary substances of abuse were cannabis (81.4%) and alcohol (16.5%), while cocaine and other stimulants were rarely used (1.2%). The mean age of the participants and age at initiation of substance use were 30.88±8.49 and 22.59±5.98, respectively. Indices of social disadvantage were seen in people with substance use disorders. The commonest route of use was by smoking (81.3%) with mental disorders, as the most common comorbidity seen (88.3%). The finding in this study on cannabis is conceded by existing literature, which reports a persistent rise in its use despite international and national efforts to reduce its supply. The early age at initiation begs for more comprehensive drug prevention programmes especially in the various levels of education.Keywords: Pattern of substance use, De-addiction Unit, Nigeria, Cross-sectional stud

Prevalence and correlates of postpartum depression among women visiting postnatal clinic in a tertiary health institution in southeast Nigeria

Background: Postnatal depression (PND), a major health problem, can have deleterious effects on new mothers, their infants and their family. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to this phenomenon in terms of identification, diagnosis and treatment in our environment.Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and correlates of PND among postnatal attendees in a tertiary health institution in South-East Nigeria.Methodology: This was a cross sectional study in which women visiting Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Amaku, postnatal clinic from 1st. March- 31st May, 2017 were recruited. Data were collected using Socio-demographic Questionnaire and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A score of 10 and above was considered a likely case of PND. One hundred and thirty two (132) self-administered questionnaires were completely filled and analyzed. Descriptive and inferential statistics including means, frequencies, X2 –test at the 95% confidence level (CL) were used in analysis. Logistic regression was applied to identify the independent predictors of PND risk.Results: The prevalence of PND among the women was 33.3%. PND showed significant association with maternal age (p=0.027), low socio-economic status (p=0.037), parity (p=0.031), mode of delivery (p=0.023), type of delivery (p=0.025) and lack of emotional support (p=0.001).Preterm delivery (OR=2.9), caesarean delivery (OR=3.7), low socio-economic status (OR= 4.1) and lack of emotional support (OR=5.8) from husband were independent risks factors for PND.Conclusion: The prevalence of PND, 33.3% among postnatal women is high. Screening and management of PND should be an important part of postnatal services so as to improve maternal and infant wellbeing.Keywords: Screening, risk factors, 4-6 weeks, post-delivery, maternal, infant, wellbein