Psychometric Properties and Correlates of the Beck Hopelessness Scale in Family Caregivers of Nigerian Patients with Psychiatric Disorders in Southwestern Nigeria

Objectives: To examine the construct and correlates of hopelessness among family caregivers of Nigerian psychiatric patients. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study involving 264 family caregiver-patients’ dyads recruited from two university teaching hospitals psychiatric clinics in Southwestern Nigeria. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor 9-item model of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) among the family caregivers. Confirmatory factor analysis of the model revealed satisfactory indices of fitness (goodness of fit index = 0.97, comparative fit index = 0.96, Chi-square/degree of freedom (CMIN/DF) = 1.60, root mean square error of approximation = 0.048, expected cross-validation index = 0.307, and standardized root mean residual = 0.005). Reliability of the scale was modestly satisfactory (Cronbach’s alpha 0.72). Construct validity of scale was supported by significant correlations with the family caregivers’ scores on the Zarit Burden Interview, mini international neuropsychiatric interview suicidality module, General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The greatest variance in the family caregivers’ scores on the BHS was contributed by their scores on the psychological distress scale (GHQ-12). Conclusions: The BHS has adequate psychometric properties among Nigerian psychiatric patients’ family caregivers. There is the need to pay attention to the psychological well-being of the family caregivers of Nigerian psychiatric patients

Self– reported oral health and oral health– related quality of life among patients with diabetes mellitus in a tertiary health facility

Abstract Background Considering the inter-relationship between Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and oral tissues, assessment of oral health status in relation to glycemic control might be informative about the disease condition, which might be pivotal to appropriate management and ultimately improve life satisfaction. This study therefore aimed to assess the pattern of self-reported diabetes related oral conditions and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among patients with DM at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria. Materials and methods A cross- sectional study using an interviewer administered questionnaire was conducted among in- and out- patients being managed for DM by the Endocrinology unit of the hospital. Data collected included bio-data, medical history, self-reported oral conditions and dental service utilisation. The impact of oral health related quality of life was measured using OHIP-14. Oral examination was done to assess oral mucosal lesions and their oral hygiene status. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Results Eighty-four patients with diabetes consisting 23 (27%) in-patients and 61 (63%) out-patients were enrolled. Males were 26(31%) and females 58(69%); their ages ranged from 22 to 88 years with a mean of 60.9 ± 12.8 years. Most (67%) of the participants had one or more self-reported oral complaints, dryness (20.4%) being the most common and bad breath (4.6%) as the least reported. Poor glycemic level was found to be higher among the in-patients (82%) with random blood glucose > 200 mg/dL during admission, compared to the out-patient participants (51%) who had fasting plasma glucose > 110 mg/dL. Their oral hygiene status was assessed using simplified oral hygiene index and documented as fair (65%), poor (25%) and good (10%). About two-thirds (61%) had ever visited a dentist, majorly due to toothache. Only the pain (21.9%) and physical disability (26.3%) components of OHIP-14 were mainly found to affect the participants’ OHRQOL. Conclusions This study found high rate of self- reported DM related oral conditions notably oral dryness, and periodontal diseases particularly as teeth mobility and spontaneous exfoliation. Nonetheless, most of the study participants had fair OHRQoL while its physical pain, functional limitation and psychological disability components were most reported

Prevalence and pattern of intimate partner violence during COVID-19 pandemic among Nigerian adults.

Objectives: Our objectives were to determine the prevalence, pattern, and associated sociodemographic, psychosocial, and COVID-19-related factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) during the COVID-19 pandemic among Nigerian adults. Method: We conducted an online survey among Nigerian adults (n = 994, aged 18–72 years) who completed the HARK questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, and factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression was carried out with presence or absence of IPV as the outcome variable. Results: Prevalence of IPV among women was 57.5%, while it was 42.5% among men, during the COVID-19 pandemic. IPV was significantly associated with younger age; having no children; increased threat of income due to COVID-19; anxiety; depression; reduced frequency of accessing COVID-19 updates via TV, radio, and news outlet; self-isolation due to COVID-19 symptoms; and self-reported impact of COVID-19 on recreation. A high monthly income, presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, threat of COVID-19 to income, and self-reported impact of COVID-19 on recreation increased the odds of experiencing IPV. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the experience of IPV among adult Nigerians. The implications of our findings are that both men and women were affected by IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Modalities for reducing IPV and its aftermath among this population should include online psychosocial support measures, which may offer anonymity and reduced stigma