Sexual orientation and quality of life among students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria.

Background: Sexual orientation is an individual's pattern of physical and emotional arousal toward members of the same and/or opposite gender.Objective: To determine the pattern of sexual orientation and the relationship between sexual orientation and quality of life among a sample of OAU students.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study among 481 students of OAU using a multistage sampling technique. They completed a Socio-demographic data schedule, questions on sexual orientation and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale – Brief version (WHO QOL-BREF).Results: 4.9% of the sample self-identified as bisexual while 0.1% self-identified as gay/lesbian. 11.8% of the respondents reported varying degrees of attraction to the opposite gender. The mean age of sexual debut was 17.62 (±4.05). Those who self-identified as gay/lesbian/bisexual had a lower average score on all domains of the WHO QOL-BREF.Conclusion: Same sex sexual attraction and practice occur among young people in Nigeria and this has sexual and reproductive health implications. GLB youth report a lower QOL compared to heterosexual counterparts and this may suggest some distress among this vulnerable group. More studies should be undertaken to explore issues raised in planning interventions and health services that would improve safe sexual practices within this group.Keywords: Sexual orientation, quality of life, students, Nigeria

Sexual orientation and quality of life among students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria.

Abstract Background: Sexual orientation is an individual's pattern of physical and emotional arousal toward members of the same and/or opposite gender. Objective: To determine the pattern of sexual orientation and the relationship between sexual orientation and quality of life among a sample of OAU students. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study among 481 students of OAU using a multistage sampling technique. They completed a Socio-demographic data schedule, questions on sexual orientation and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale \u2013 Brief version (WHO QOL-BREF). Results: 4.9% of the sample self-identified as bisexual while 0.1% self-identified as gay/lesbian. 11.8% of the respondents reported varying degrees of attraction to the opposite gender. The mean age of sexual debut was 17.62 (\ub14.05). Those who self-identified as gay/lesbian/bisexual had a lower average score on all domains of the WHO QOL-BREF. Conclusion: Same sex sexual attraction and practice occur among young people in Nigeria and this has sexual and reproductive health implications. GLB youth report a lower QOL compared to heterosexual counterparts and this may suggest some distress among this vulnerable group. More studies should be undertaken to explore issues raised in planning interventions and health services that would improve safe sexual practices within this group

The relationship between intimate partner violence and postpartum depression in Osogbo, Nigeria

Background: Postpartum depression is the most prevalent postpartum mental health problem. Risk factors for postpartum depression include psychosocial stressors. One of these psychosocial stressors could be intimate partner violence. Co-occurrence of intimate partner violence and postpartum depression is considered deadly co morbidity because it can increase the risk of homicide and suicide. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between intimate partner violence and depression among postnatal women attending postnatal and infant welfare clinics of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 postpartum women who attended postnatal and infant welfare clinics of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Osogbo using Composite Abuse Scale (CAS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Socio-demographic questionnaire.  Respondents that were found to be EPDS positive as well as 10% of EPDS negative respondents were further assessed with Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) (depression subscale) to diagnose depression.Results: Respondents that experienced intimate partner violence were five times as likely to have postpartum depression compared to those that did not experience IPV. Logistic regression showed that intimate partner violence independently predicted postpartum depression in respondents (OR 4.799, CI 1.844-12.493).Conclusions: Postpartum depression was significantly higher among women that experienced intimate partner violence. This observation has implications for mental health of women, therefore, any woman with suspected postpartum depression should be asked about IPV as this could be a pointer to IPV

Relationship between personality traits and reproductive choices among women attending the psychiatric clinic of a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Background: The study aimed to assess the relationship between personality traits and reproductive choices among women attending the psychiatric clinic at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital.Methods: The original study used a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test-controlled design though this article presents a cross sectional view of results. Two hundred females were recruited into the study. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was applied to the respondents which elicited information on background characteristics, baseline contraceptive indicators and personality traits. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential methods.Results: The personality factors found to affect contraceptive use included high scores on Conscientiousness, Extraversion and Neuroticism, though only extraversion maintained this relationship on regression analysis. The personality factors found to affect pregnancy plan included high scores on Conscientiousness.Conclusions: This study showed a distinct relationship between specific personality traits and contraceptive use with neuroticism exhibiting a negative influence on use while conscientiousness exhibited a positive influence

Depressive and anxiety symptoms and COVID-19-related factors among men and women in Nigeria

Despite the greater adverse economic impacts in low and middle-income (LAMI) compared to high-income countries, fewer studies have investigated the associations between COVID-19-related stressor and mental health in LAMI countries. The objectives of this study were to determine the associations between COVID-19-related stressors and anxiety and depressive symptoms while controlling for known risk and protective factors and to investigate any sex differences. An online survey was carried out to assess sociodemographic, psychosocial (previous mental health conditions, sexual orientation, intimate partner violence and perceived social support) and COVID-19-related variables. Hierarchical linear regression was carried out with anxiety and depressive symptoms as separate outcomes. Of the COVID-19-related factors, testing positive for COVID-19 infection, having COVID-19 symptoms, having other medical conditions, self-isolating due to COVID-19 symptoms, worry about infection, perception of the pandemic as a threat to income and isolation during the lockdown were significantly associated with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms. Of these, worry about infection, isolation during lockdown and disruption due to the pandemic retained independent associations with both outcomes. The variance in anxiety and depressive symptoms explained by COVID-19-related factors was larger in women (11.8%) compared to men (6.1% and 0.8% respectively). COVID-19-related stressors are associated with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms, with these effects being larger in men compared to women. Enhancing social support can be an affordable strategy to mitigate this risk but this needs to be investigated using appropriate designs

Internalized homophobia, coping, and quality of life among Nigerian gay and bisexual men

Despite high levels of homophobia in Nigeria, no studies have investigated the quality of life (QOL) of Nigerian gay and bisexual (GB) men. The associations between QOL and minority stress may differ from those reported in developed countries and may indicate alternative interventions. This study investigated internalized homophobia (IH) and coping strategies among gay and bisexual men in Nigeria and the relationships with overall QOL. Eighty-nine GB men were recruited with a snowball sampling technique. QOL (outcome), IH (predictor) and coping strategies (covariates) were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Relationships were investigated using linear regression analyses. Participants used adaptive more frequently than maladaptive coping strategies. The relationship between IH and QOL was nonlinear (β = −0.27, 95% CI = −0.48, −0.06), and the positive component was attenuated by adaptive coping strategies. Adaptive strategies can be reinforced as a therapeutic intervention to improve wellbeing among gay and bisexual men in Nigeria

Depression and associated factors among gay and heterosexual male university students in Nigeria

Homosexuality is a recognized risk factor for depression in high-income countries; however, there is little research investigating the relationship between depression and sexual orientation in developing countries, especially in Africa. In this first study to investigate psychopathology in sexual minority men in Nigeria, the prevalence rates of depression in Nigerian gay and heterosexual individuals were compared as well as the explanatory power of risk and resilience factors in both groups. Eighty-one gay and 81 heterosexual male university students were, respectively, recruited from the Obafemi Awolowo University. Both groups were assessed for depression and other clinical factors, including alcohol and other substance use, suicidal ideation, and resilience. Gay students were further assessed for sexuality-related variables, including minority stress factors such as internalized homophobia and perceived stigma. The prevalence rates of depression among gay and heterosexual students were, respectively, 16 and 4.9% (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.15–11.82), and this increased likelihood for depression was significantly attenuated by resilience. Clinical factors correlated significantly with depression in both groups, explaining 31% of the variance in depression in gay and heterosexual students, respectively. Sexuality-related variables including internalized homophobia and perceived stigma were further associated with depression in gay students—accounting for a further 14% of the variance of depression in gay students. The findings highlight the importance of minority stress factors in understanding depression among non-heterosexual individuals in a developing country, and the need for further research to investigate the mechanisms of these relationships in such settings

The challenges and opportunities for mental health twin research in Nigeria

The recent interest in increasing diversity in genetic research can be useful in uncovering novel insights into the genetic architecture of mental health disorders – globally and in previously unexplored settings such as low- and middle-income settings like Nigeria. Genetic research into mental health is potentially promising in Nigeria and we reflect on the challenges and opportunities for twin research which may be particularly suited to Nigeria. The higher rates of twinning in Africa and Nigeria specifically, make the twin design an affordable and readily maintainable approach for genetic research in the country. Despite potential challenges with recruitment, data collection, data analysis and dissemination; the success of current efforts suggest that the twin design can tapped even further for greater impact in the country. We highlight some ways in which the scope of twin research can be increased and suggest some ways in which existing challenges can be overcome including recent Patient Participant Involve and Engagement activities

Caregiver burden in families of patients with depression attending Obafemi Awolowo University teaching hospitals complex Ile-Ife Nigeria

Objective The objective of this study was to assess caregiver burden among relatives of patients on treatment for depressive disorder attending the psychiatry outpatient clinic of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile Ife, Nigeria. Methods A cross sectional design was used. Hundred caregivers of patients with ICD-10 diagnosis of depression, on outpatient treatment for at least six months were recruited from the psychiatric outpatient clinic. Caregivers completed a semi-structured socio-demographic questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Interview and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) 12. Descriptive statistics were used to describe socio-demographic variables; association between dependent and independent variables were assessed using Pearson’s correlation, chi squared and t test as appropriate. Results The mean ZBI score was 41.32 (S.D. = 9.82), 45% of respondents reported moderate to severe burden, spouses constituted 57% of caregivers. Age at onset of depression (t = 2.46, P = .02) number of hospitalization,(χ2 = 9.82, P = 0.001), and current active symptoms (χ2 = 36.1, P = .001) were all significantly associated with burden score. Severity of symptoms (r = 0.48, P < .01) and age at onset of illness (r = − 0.26, P < .01) both correlated significantly with burden scores, while GHQ score among caregivers also correlated significantly with burden scores (r = 0.52, P < .01). Conclusions Caregivers of depressed patients experience moderate to severe burden. Caring for the depressed need to change from a patient focused approach to a combined patient and caregiver approach