Frances Nkechi Adiukwu, Mumeen Olaitan Salihu, Nafisatu Hayatudeen, Yesiru Adeyemi Kareem, Benjamin Olamide Adegoke, Ijeoma Chinanuekperem Charles-Ugwuagbo, Emmanuel Effiong Uwah, Ismail Olaiitan Adesina, Abba Mohammed Ibrahim, Muhammad Abba Fugu
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Abstract
Background: Lithium prescription rates have witnessed a significant downward trend over the years in different continents despite evidence of its clinical efficacy in the acute and long-term maintenance treatment of Bipolar Disorder (BD). Nigeria has a paucity of data on lithium use in BD management. Hence, we aim to investigate the lithium prescription rate and factors influencing its use among Nigerian psychiatrists and trainee psychiatrists.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 203 respondents working in different accredited psychiatric training facilities in Nigeria was conducted between April and May 2024 using a predesigned online Google form. Information relating to lithium use in managing the different phases of BD and factors influencing its use were assessed.
Results: The mean age of the respondents was 37.98 (± 6.85) years. The lithium prescription rate is low (10.89%). There is a significant association between the respondents' awareness of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) and good adherence to CPG (p = 0.003), but this did not significantly influence lithium prescription among them. Older years of practice influence prescribing lithium (p = < 0.001). Monitoring and availability of lithium constituted significant concerns for lithium use, among other factors (p = 0.032).
Conclusion: The study revealed a low lithium prescription rate among Nigerian psychiatrists and trainee psychiatrists compared to international studies. There is a need for concerted efforts towards addressing the identified factors. A review of the existing local CPG in line with the best evidence is warranted for improved clinical outcomes.
Ethics registration: The study was approved by the Hospital Research and Ethical Committee (HREC) of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) with approval protocol number (UPTH/ADM/90/S.11/VOL.XI/1688).
期刊介绍：
BMC Psychiatry is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that considers articles on all aspects of the prevention, diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders, as well as related molecular genetics, pathophysiology, and epidemiology.
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