Background and Aim: Research has shown that 30%-70% of people who have lived in war zones suffer from symptoms of depression, with exceptionally high rates documented among heads of households. Thus, this study aims to determine the prevalence and correlates of depression among victims of armed-conflict in Dogonahawa, North-Central Nigeria. Methods: A multistage sampling of households was employed to select 270 respondents aged ≥ 18 years. A face-to-face interview was conducted using the Revised Beck Depression Inventory-11 to collect data on depression. Results: The prevalence of depression was 38.5% in all respondents, 45.2% and 28.6% among heads of households and the dependants respectively. The odds of having depression was more than twice among heads of households with income below N20,000.00 compared to those earning above N50,000.00 (OR = 3.02, P = 0.253), but was decreased among males, those engaged in professional jobs and those with household size of less than five members compared to females, being engaged in non professional jobs and having more than five household members respectively (OR = 0.198, P = 0.002; OR = 0.049 and OR = 0.199; P = 0.012 and OR = 0.193; P = 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: The results point to the importance of disaster preparedness generally and specifically, with particular attention to household heads who are females, non professionals, with low income and larger household size.

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Background: Street life is a common sight among children in Africa including Nigeria. Distressed, hungry and poorly groomed children can be seen roaming the streets in search for means of survival from well-wishers and passersby. Poverty, cultural practices and religious belief have been cited as being responsible for such problems. The study aimed at determining the sociodemographic factors responsible for children being on the streets. It also seeks to establish the mental health effects of children being on the streets. Two questionnaires were designed by the researchers to collect information about respondents. One hundred and seven (107) of these children were interviewed. The study revealed the predominance of male children (91.6%), children from Islamic background (85.0%) whose parents were involved in unskilled jobs (72.0%). A statistically significant relationship was observed between street life and sociodemographic factors. Over four-fifth of the children have faced various forms of physical, sexual, emotional abuse with about three-quarter involved with alcohol and other drugs. In conclusion, the study revealed that poverty, low family income and large family sizes were responsible for children being on the streets.

Background Bipolar Disorders (BDs) are chronic mental health disorders that often result in functional impairment and contribute significantly to the disability-adjusted life years (DALY). BDs are historically under-researched compared to other mental health disorders, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria. Design We adopted a mixed-methods design. Study 1 examined the public knowledge of BDs in relation to sociodemographic outcomes using quantitative data whilst Study 2 qualitatively assessed the lived experiences of patients with BDs, clinicians, and family caregivers. Methods In Study 1, a non-clinical sample of n = 575 participants responded to a compact questionnaire that examined their knowledge of BDs and how they relate to certain sociodemographic variables. One-way ANOVA was used to analyse quantitative data. Study 2 interviewed N = 15 participants (n = 5 patients with BDs; n = 7 clinicians; n = 3 family caregivers). These semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Results In Study 1, findings showed no statistically significant differences, suggesting low awareness of BDs, especially among vulnerable populations such as young people and older adults. However, there was a trajectory in increased knowledge of BDs among participants between the ages of 25–44 years and part-time workers compared to other ages and employment statuses. In Study 2, qualitative findings showed that BDs are perceived to be genetically and psycho-socially induced by specific lived experiences of patients and their family caregivers. Although psychotropic medications and psychotherapy are available treatment options in Nigeria, cultural and religious beliefs were significant barriers to treatment uptake. Conclusions This study provides insight into knowledge and beliefs about BDs, including the lived experiences of patients with BDs, their caregivers and clinicians in Nigeria. It highlights the need for further studies assessing Nigeria's feasibility and acceptability of culturally adapted psychosocial interventions for patients with BDs.

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