Seasonality of psychotic mental hospital admissions in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Seasonal variation has been reported for psychotic hospital admissions, but none in Nigeria. This study examines the seasonality of psychotic mental hospital admissions in Kano, a north western state in peri-equatorial and tropical Nigeria. Methodology: The case notes of all psychotic patients (bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders) with more than one admission into the psychiatric unit of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital between 1996 and 2006 were examined for evidence of seasonal variations and admission patterns. Results: Using the chi-square test, no significant seasonal variation was found in all the psychotic admissions examined. However, high rate of psychotic admissions were observed in summer. Conclusion: Geographical factors and seasonal variations have a more limited effect on psychotic mental hospital admissions in Kano than might have been expected from the literature and prevailing local beliefs.