Factors associated with absconding behaviours amidst inpatients of a regional psychiatric hospital in Nigeria

Authors

  • Saheed Olanrewaju Raji Sarkin Maska Shehu Hospital (SMASH), Funtua, Katsina State.
  • O.C Ikeji Psychiatry Unit, Sarkin Maska Shehu Hospital (SMASH)) Funtua, Katsina State.
  • J. O. Omoaregba Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Uselu, Benin-city, Edo State, Nigeria.

Keywords:

Abscond, Escape, Inpatients, Hospital, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Absconding from inpatient psychiatric setting is a potentially dangerous phenomenon for  all the stakeholders in the mental health setting and the community at large. In order to put in place appropriate prevention strategies, there is a need to identify factors associated with absconding

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the rate of absconding behavior in a regional psychiatric hospital in Nigeria, and identify its associated factors and predictors.

Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study of admitted patients. A semi-structured socio-demographic questionnaire, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Global Assessment of Function (GAF) were administered to 406 admitted cases in the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin City

Data was analysed with SPSS 20. only thirteen cases of abscond were recorded during the study period.

Results: Abscond rate was found to be 3.2%. Male gender, diagnosis of psychoactive substance related disorders, and past history of escape in treatment setting were significantly related to absconding behaviours with the latter emerging as the best predictor.

Conclusion: Patients at high risk of abscond require special attention

Author Biography

Saheed Olanrewaju Raji, Sarkin Maska Shehu Hospital (SMASH), Funtua, Katsina State.

Consultant Psychiatrist

References

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Published

2020-11-24

How to Cite

Raji, S. O., Ikeji, O., & Omoaregba , J. O. (2020). Factors associated with absconding behaviours amidst inpatients of a regional psychiatric hospital in Nigeria. The Nigerian Health Journal, 19(1), 25–36. Retrieved from https://tnhjph.com/index.php/tnhj/article/view/427

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