Brain fag syndrome among Nigerian university students in Abuja

Abstract

Background: The Brain Fag syndrome is considered to be a culture-bound syndrome. While some authorities view it as a variant of anxiety and somatic disorders, others consider it as a specific psychiatric disorder characterized by somatic and cognitive impairments associated with study. It was first described by Prince among Nigerian students and is rarely seen in Western cultures as so described. Morakinyo has also described this syndrome in details. It is thought to result from imposition of alien Western learning techniques on non-Western students. Despite the challenges in classification, Brain fag syndrome contributes to difficulties experienced by students in their academic pursuit and may lead to discontinuation of education. Methods: We investigated this syndrome among 3 rd and 4 th year students from different faculties in the University of Abuja. This was a cross-sectional study in which 600 students were randomly selected to participate. The instruments were made up of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brain Fag syndrome scale, the WHO questionnaire for student drug use surveys and the University College London study difficulty questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS-16. Results: Prevalence of Brain Fag syndrome was 36% and commoner among male students and those who had significant financial difficulties. No association was found with age and family background. Study difficulty was found in 53.8% of the population. Though no significant association with Brain Fag syndrome in general, 25.7% of students had both study difficulty and Brain Fag syndrome. Positive lifetime use/abuse of psychoactive substances (especially stimulants) was significantly associated with the diagnosis of Brain Fag syndrome. This was also higher among the male population. Conclusion: Brain Fag syndrome is now widely accepted as an entity of its own and not just a variant of anxiety/depression. The symptoms of discomfort in the head, poor understanding and poor memory associated with study have been clearly described. These impair study among university students as we found and is made worse by use of stimulants. Consequently, impairments in mental health and academic pursuits are likely to result. These have to be further explored and adequate measures put in place to address resulting challenges.

Prevalence, Pattern and Correlates of Study Difficulty Among Students of College of Health Sciences Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Osogbo.

“…The prevalence of study difficulty among the respondents was 52.0% which is comparable to 53.8% reported by Uchendu et al, 2014 in Nigeria in Nigeria. It is noteworthy that the study was conducted among students in six (6) Faculties who were in their third and fourth year.…”

Prevalence of brain fag syndrome and its correlation with stimulant use and socio-economic/demographic characteristics among university undergraduate students in Nigeria

“…The present study explored variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, relationship status, income level, and course of study. It found that most students affected by BFS were aged between 20 and 30, with a slightly higher male proportion in contrast to what was found in the study by Uchendu, Chikezie, and 16 Morakinyo , where female students were more represented than males in the study, though that was reflective of the undergraduate students' characteristics at the university. The study also identified a relationship between the course of study and BFS, suggesting that certain fields may be more susceptible to the syndrome.…”

“…. They highlighted significant associations between BFS and neuroticism, psychoticism, general psychological distress, and 15,19,16 stimulant use . In contrast, the present study found a higher prevalence of 62.7% among undergraduate students but did not find a significant association between stimulant use and BFS.…”

“…The study also identified a relationship between the course of study and BFS, suggesting that certain fields may be more susceptible to the syndrome. 16 Uchendu, Chikezie, and Morakinyo conducted a study on the prevalence of brain fog syndrome (BFS) among university students in Nigeria. They utilized the University College London study difficulty questionnaire and found that study difficulty was present in 53.8% of the population.…”

Prevalence and Correlates of Psychiatric Morbidities among Undergraduates in Health-Related Disciplines in Southwestern Nigeria

“…Most respondents in this study were 25 years and above while the mean age was 26.3 years. This is slightly higher than the mean ages in other studies (Osasona et al, 2011;Uchendu et al, 2014). The incessant industrial action by labor unions in the institution resulting in prolongation of the duration of studies by the institution may explain the increased mean age.…”