No abstract

No abstract

Background: In developing countries with shortage of mental health professionals, paramedics are trained in the delivery of mental health services. Knowledge of the experience of the trained health workers is useful in evaluating output of service and restructuring training package. This study was undertaken to determine the experience of trained primary health care (PHC) workers in mental health service delivery across Ogun State South west Nigeria.

No abstract

Background: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is common in modern society. A million people worldwide die from suicide each year, leading to a large toll on human resources and economy. Research has revealed DSH as an important indicator of eventual suicide worldwide. The present study focused on DSH attempters among Armed Forces personnel and family members with the aim of identifying modifiable factors to provide recommendations for primary prevention in the military milieu. Methods: Hundred cases of survivors of DSH were evaluated in a caseecontrol study using psychiatry assessment instruments (the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Pierce Suicide Intent Scale, Hamilton's Depression and Anxiety Scales and presumptive life event scale) to assess psychiatric morbidity and psychosocial correlates. The findings were compared with those of 100 healthy matched controls. The data were analysed using SPSS software. Result: The majority of DSH survivors (98%) had concurrent psychiatric morbidity, major depressive disorder (23%) being the commonest diagnosis followed by psychotic disorder and alcohol use disorder. Presence of relationship problems (69%) and financial difficulties (19%) were significant triggering factors in our study. Many DSH attempters had voiced suicidal ideation (66%) before their act and had history of aggression or violence (76%) in the past. Conclusion: Our findings are discussed in relation with findings in the literature. Recommendations regarding awareness campaign, specific skill development programs and the need for early intervention in individuals with psychiatric morbidity have been proposed to prevent such behaviours.

No abstract