Authors: Nkporbu A.K, Ojule I.N.
Background: People with mental illness are at increased risk for substance use and individuals who experience a substance use disorder (SUD) during their lives may experience a co-occurring mental disorder and vice versa. The dual diagnosis often affects the illness course, worsens prognosis and presents a management difficulty.
Aim: This study aimed to look at the prevalence of psychoactive use among mentally ill patients at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among attendees of Neuropsychiatric Outpatient Clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). A structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics and other factors were self-administered to 75 patients diagnosed with various psychiatric disorders by consultants Psychiatrists and attending the out-patient clinic via a systematic random sampling. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and all other ethical provisions were followed. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data.
Results: Majority of the respondents were male (81%), single (76.0%), unemployed (36.0%), low income earners (73.4%) and between the ages of 21 and 30 (44%).. Majority had tertiary education (58.7%) followed by respondents with secondary education (33.3%). The prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 48% with Cannabis being the most reported consumed drug (24%), cocaine 16%, nicotine 14.7%, heroine 10.7%, alcohol 6.7%, then volatile substance and hypno-sedation 2.7% and 1.3% respectively. Majority of the Respondents had use drugs between 1- 10 years.
Conclusion: Drug use is common among the persons suffering from mental disorders in UPTH. Better evaluation for and proper management of this dual diagnosis will help to improve their mental well-being and quality of life.
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