title: Nigerian medical students' opinions about the undergraduate curriculum in psychiatry.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The number of psychiatrists in Nigeria is inadequate to meet the treatment needs for neuropsychiatric disorders. Developing mental health competency in the future Nigerian physician workforce is one approach to filling the treatment gap. The authors aimed to assess medical students' attitudes to this training and its relevance to their future practice and to assess whether they are getting adequate or relevant training.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was undertaken among a sample (N=375) of 5th- and 6th-year students across four medical schools in Nigeria.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over one-tenth (12%) chose psychiatry as a future career choice. Most expressed positive attitudes toward psychiatry and its relevance to their future careers. A majority were enthusiastic about receiving training in psychiatry in primary-care settings and welcomed a curriculum that emphasized the learning and management of common psychiatric disorders seen in general practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Medical students surveyed would welcome an undergraduate curriculum that integrates the learning of psychiatry with other specialties and skills-training relevant for primary care. Efforts to modify the current curriculum in psychiatry in Nigerian medical schools should be encouraged.
authors: Dept. of Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Edo, Nigeria. bawojames@yahoo.com
authors: Bawo
authors: B
authors: James
authors: Joyce
authors: J
authors: Omoaregba
authors: Esther
authors: E
authors: Okogbenin
authors: Olubunmi
authors: O
authors: Buhari
authors: Taiwo
authors: T
authors: Obindo
authors: Mayowa
authors: M
authors: Okonoda
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult