Abstract

Utilization of Community-Based Psychiatric (CBP) system is a new paradigm approach in the treatment of people with schizophrenic disorder over the custodial system. A cross-sectional and descriptive survey design was adopted. Multistage sampling technique was purposively used to select Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti States with CBP facilities. The communities were clustered into urban and rural areas. Two centers were chosen purposively because of their functionalities and staff availability. The study selected 328 caregivers of PwS. Questionnaire were administered to respondents in Ogun (120), Oyo (112) and Ekiti (096) states to document information on the utilization of CBP services. Qualitative data were collected through 33 key informant interviews and 24 focus group discussions among mental health professionals and the communities respectively, eight from each state across sex and ages categories. Quantitative data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics and chi-square. Qualitative data were content analyzed. Above half (54.9%) reported high attendance while (45.1%) utilized other pathways. Majority (82.0%) reported low cost. Above half (50.9%) reported kindness exhibited by health workers. CBP facilities were scanty and unevenly distributed, but more effective and permanent in the rehabilitation and reintegration of PwS into the community. There is a need for more CBP facilities in the study areas and to be domesticated in all parts of the country for effective service delivery and increase funding.