Correctional psychiatry in Nigeria: dynamics of mental healthcare in the most restrictive alternative.

Journal: BJPsych international

Volume: 15

Issue: 2

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Retired Chief Medical Director/Chief Consultant Psychiatrist, Forensic Unit, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Nigeria; email ogunlesi@yahoo.com. Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Forensic Unit, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Nigeria; email monaolapo@yahoo.co.uk.

Abstract summary 

Nigeria has poorly structured services for correctional mental health driven by a mix of socioeconomic and legal factors. The archaic asylum systems established in the early part of the 20th century under the Lunacy ordinance of 1916 are no longer fit for purpose. The present strategy is to provide mental healthcare for mentally abnormal offenders within some prisons in the country. The current models for this are poorly staffed and underfunded. Adoption of task-shifting approaches based on evidence-based strategies within the context of professional innovation, government commitment and international collaboration should help to develop and sustain the needed correctional psychiatry services.

Authors & Co-authors:  Ogunlesi A O AO Ogunwale A A

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Adebowale T., Onofa L. U., Gater R., et al. (2014) Evaluation of a mental health training course for primary health care workers in Ogun State, South West, Nigeria. Journal of Psychiatry, 17, 1–5.;Laws of Nigeria (1948) Lunacy Ordinance, Vol. IV, CAP. 121, Government Printer.
Authors :  2
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1192/bji.2017.13
SSN : 2056-4740
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Niger
Publication Country
England