ISSN 0189-1774
 
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Original Article
Online Published: 02 Apr 2024
 


Attitudes of Nigerian Pediatricians Towards Referring Children for Psychiatric Evaluation

A. C. Ndukuba, R. C. Ibekwe, P. C. Odinka, R. C. Muomah, K. U. Amadi, U. Nduanya, S. O. Nwoha, C. C. Oduburu.


Abstract
Abstract:

Background: In Nigeria, due to the high level of stigmatization, children with psychiatric disorders often first present to pediatricians. The attitude of pediatricians towards psychiatric referrals can significantly influence how promptly children with psychiatric problems access specialized care.

Aims: This study aims to determine the rate of referrals for psychiatric evaluation among children, the reasons for non-referral, and the factors that influence pediatricians in referring children for psychiatric evaluation.

Methods: A questionnaire designed for the study was completed by 174 pediatricians attending the annual scientific conference of the Pediatric Association of Nigeria.

Results: Major reasons for non-referral included not having encountered children with psychiatric disorders (78%), the absence of psychiatry facilities in their area of practice (70.7%), and concerns that referrals could embarrass patients (56.1%). Factors significantly associated with the likelihood of referring children for psychiatric evaluation included the rank of participants (p=0.002), years of practice (p=0.010), and the availability of psychiatric services in their centers (p=0.011).

Conclusion: There is a need to establish child and adolescent psychiatric services in all centers where children receive care and to improve the exposure of medical students and trainees to psychiatry.

Keywords: pediatricians, psychiatric referral, Nigeria, children's mental health, stigma

Key words: Key words: paediatricians, psychiatric evaluation, referral


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Ndukuba AC, Ibekwe RC, Odinka PC, Muomah RC, Amadi KU, Nduanya U, Nwoha SO, Oduburu CC. Attitudes of Nigerian Pediatricians Towards Referring Children for Psychiatric Evaluation. NJP. 2016; 14(1): 20-24.

Web Style

Ndukuba AC, Ibekwe RC, Odinka PC, Muomah RC, Amadi KU, Nduanya U, Nwoha SO, Oduburu CC. Attitudes of Nigerian Pediatricians Towards Referring Children for Psychiatric Evaluation. https://nigerianjournalofpsychiatry.com/?mno=196363 [Access: June 27, 2026].

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Ndukuba AC, Ibekwe RC, Odinka PC, Muomah RC, Amadi KU, Nduanya U, Nwoha SO, Oduburu CC. Attitudes of Nigerian Pediatricians Towards Referring Children for Psychiatric Evaluation. NJP. 2016; 14(1): 20-24.


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Ndukuba AC, Ibekwe RC, Odinka PC, Muomah RC, Amadi KU, Nduanya U, Nwoha SO, Oduburu CC. Attitudes of Nigerian Pediatricians Towards Referring Children for Psychiatric Evaluation. NJP. (2016), [cited June 27, 2026]; 14(1): 20-24.


Harvard Style

Ndukuba, A. C., Ibekwe, . R. C., Odinka, . P. C., Muomah, . R. C., Amadi, . K. U., Nduanya, . U., Nwoha, . S. O. & Oduburu, . C. C. (2016) Attitudes of Nigerian Pediatricians Towards Referring Children for Psychiatric Evaluation. NJP, 14 (1), 20-24.


Turabian Style

Ndukuba, A. C., R. C. Ibekwe, P. C. Odinka, R. C. Muomah, K. U. Amadi, U. Nduanya, S. O. Nwoha, and C. C. Oduburu. 2016. Attitudes of Nigerian Pediatricians Towards Referring Children for Psychiatric Evaluation. Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry, 14 (1), 20-24.


Chicago Style

Ndukuba, A. C., R. C. Ibekwe, P. C. Odinka, R. C. Muomah, K. U. Amadi, U. Nduanya, S. O. Nwoha, and C. C. Oduburu. "Attitudes of Nigerian Pediatricians Towards Referring Children for Psychiatric Evaluation." Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry 14 (2016), 20-24.


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Ndukuba, A. C., R. C. Ibekwe, P. C. Odinka, R. C. Muomah, K. U. Amadi, U. Nduanya, S. O. Nwoha, and C. C. Oduburu. "Attitudes of Nigerian Pediatricians Towards Referring Children for Psychiatric Evaluation." Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry 14.1 (2016), 20-24. Print.


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Ndukuba, A. C., Ibekwe, . R. C., Odinka, . P. C., Muomah, . R. C., Amadi, . K. U., Nduanya, . U., Nwoha, . S. O. & Oduburu, . C. C. (2016) Attitudes of Nigerian Pediatricians Towards Referring Children for Psychiatric Evaluation. Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry, 14 (1), 20-24.


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