Abstract summary 

Individuals with schizophrenia in low- and middle-income countries and their caregivers face multiple barriers to care-seeking and continuous engagement with treatment services. Identifying specific barrier patterns would aid targeted interventions aimed at improving treatment access.The aim of this study was to determine stigma- and non-stigma-related barriers to care-seeking among persons with schizophrenia in Nigeria.This study was conducted at the Outpatient Clinics of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.A cross-sectional study of a dyad of persons with schizophrenia and caregivers ( = 161) attending outpatient services at a neuro-psychiatric hospital in Nigeria. Stigma- and non-stigma-related barriers were assessed using the 30-item Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE) scale.Lack of insight, preference for alternative care, illness severity and financial constraints were common barriers to care-seeking among persons with schizophrenia. Females were significantly more likely to report greater overall treatment barrier ( < 0.01) and stigma-related barriers ( < 0.02).This study shows that attitudinal barriers impede care access and engagement among persons with schizophrenia in Nigeria.

Authors & Co-authors:  James Bawo O BO Thomas Felicia I FI Seb-Akahomen Omonefe J OJ Igbinomwanhia Nosa G NG Inogbo Chinwe F CF Thornicroft Graham G

Study Outcome 

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