Psychoactive substance use and general mental health among refugees in a Nigerian camp

Abstract

Background: Refugees are a vulnerable people. They started coming into Nigeria in the nineties. Studies among them in Nigeria had been limited to depression and post-traumatic stress reaction. Therefore, this study aimed to survey drug abuse and mental health among them.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey among the refugee population in one of the refugee camps in Nigeria. Data were elicited with the use of General Health Questionnaire and the Structured Clinical Interview Schedule.

Results: The 105 participants had mean age of 26.6 years. They were mostly males (60.9%), single (76.2%), and unemployed (35.2%). The rate of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use were 24.8%, 15.2% and 6.7 respectively. Age range of 31–40 years was significantly associated with higher rate of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use. Tobacco use was significantly more prevalent among the males and the unemployed. Use of drugs in the past 30 days was associated with General Health Questionnaire positive screening.

Conclusion: Alcohol or drug use is prevalent among the refugees in Nigeria. It is strongly associated with probable mental illness.

• Drug abuse
• mental health
• refugee

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.