Chronic Psychiatric Patients in Nigeria: Adverse Prognostic Factors

Abstract

Patients receiving treatment at the Lantoro long-stay psychiatric institution, Abeokuta, Nigeria were divided into two groups (short and long-stay) according to their duration of stay. The two were compared for factors that could be responsible for patients staying more than six months. Social problems (criminality), single marital status, and diagnosis of schizophrenia were found to be associated with prolonged hospitalization. Lack of post- discharge residence and lack of contact with close relatives were factors suggestive of social dislocation in long-stay patients. Ways of rehabilitating chronic psychiatric patients are suggested.