Assessment of need for a school-based mental health programme in Nigeria: Perspectives of school administrators

Abstract

The majority of children in Nigeria are unable to access mental health services. In this resource-poor setting, a school-based mental health service can be used to reach children who would otherwise not have access. An essential first step in the development of a school-based mental health programme is a needs assessment. Key informants (KIs) from southwest Nigeria were interviewed to identify their perspectives on child mental illness and needs for a school mental health programme. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Although KIs sometimes used derogatory terms to describe mental illness, they were able to give full descriptions of different kinds of mental illnesses in children and a range of causes based on the bio-psychosocial model of disease. KIs acknowledged deficiencies in their training even though they currently use parent, child and environment-centred interventions to deal with mental health problems in school. KIs reported teachers as comfortable with handling mental health issues in children and suggested interventions that included development of basic and ongoing training. Barriers, such as poverty, ignorance and stigma need to be addressed, while government involvement and enlightenment campaigns are critical components of a successful programme.

Problem and pro-social behavior among Nigerian children with intellectual disability: the implication for developing policy for school based mental health programs

“…The need to establish school-based mental health programs in regular schools in Nigeria had earlier been identified [19]. Our findings in this study on significant level of behavioral problems co-existing with intellectual disability among children and adolescents receiving special education instructions in this environment further reiterate the urgency of establishing viable school-based mental health programs in both regular and special schools in Nigeria.…”

Mental health challenges among adolescents living with HIV

“…Ratios of available psychiatrists are estimated at 1 psychiatrist per 4 to 5 million children in resource-limited countries, and training for mental health workers are limited and often out-of-date [79]. Qualitative inquiry among key education personnel and teachers in Nigeria suggests that, in some settings, these deficits in services may be further hampered by stigmatizing beliefs about mental health disorders, disbelief that children can have a mental illness, and overtly discriminating or derogatory language and treatment used in regards to mental illness [80]. Access to mental health services in low- and middle-income countries may also be affected by concerns regarding the use of psychotropic medications in conjunction with ART.…”

Correlates of Suicide Ideation and Attempt among Youth Living in the Slums of Kampala

“…That said, brief interventions and contact following suicide attempts which have been found to be effective for reducing subsequent suicide mortality [43] may possibly be adapted to local conditions and may even be applied in a primary prevention mode. Moreover, other strategies have been suggested for the development of child mental health services in low income countries [44] including school based mental health programs [45] that may also be promising for adaptation to be delivered to youth who seek services in drop-in centers. Recent findings have emphasized that child and mental health efforts begin with awareness and that schools in many countries are willing to support positive change to address mental health needs [46].…”