Prevalence and correlates of substance use among persons with mental disorders in a Nigerian Psychiatric Hospital

Abstract

Few studies in Nigeria have investigated the relationship between psychiatric disorders and substance use. Yet, evidence worldwide suggests that substance related problems might be a major burden among persons with psychiatric disorders. One hundred and five persons with mental illness (105) were evaluated for substance use with the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement screening test (ASSIST). A questionnaire was used to elicit Sociodemographic variables. A high proportion had initiated tobacco (50.9%) and cannabis (34.5%) during adolescent. Factors associated with hazardous drug consumption were male sex (p<0.05), younger age (p<0.05)  unemployment (p<0.01) being unmarried (p<0.05) and lower educational level (p<0.05). Routine screening and brief interventions for substance use in psychiatric facilities should be critical components of mental health service delivery.