BackgroundIndividuals 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.AimThe aim of this study was to determine stigma- and non-stigma-related barriers to care-seeking among persons with schizophrenia in Nigeria.SettingThis study was conducted at the Outpatient Clinics of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study of a dyad of persons with schizophrenia and caregivers (n = 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.ResultsLack 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 (p < 0.01) and stigma-related barriers (p < 0.02).ConclusionThis study shows that attitudinal barriers impede care access and engagement among persons with schizophrenia in Nigeria.

BackgroundNon-attendance to clinic appointments is associated with poorer treatment outcomes. There is a dearth of information about missed first clinic appointments among patients with schizophrenia in Nigeria.AimsTo determine the prevalence, correlates and reasons for missed first appointment among out-patients with schizophrenia at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.MethodA cross-sectional descriptive study among 275 out-patients with schizophrenia, using the Mini International Neuro-Psychiatric Interview and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.ResultsThe prevalence of missed first appointment was 31%. Higher BPRS score was associated with missing the appointment. The main reasons for missed appointments were: forgetting the appointment date and patient's refusal to come to the clinic.ConclusionsMissed first out-patient clinic appointment is common among patients with schizophrenia at the study site, forgetting appointment dates being a common reason. Among other recommendations, methods of reminding patients and caregivers of appointment dates at the study location may need to be explored.Declaration of interestNone.

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