Pattern of Psychiatric Educational Participation Over One Year: A Descriptive Thematic Engagement Analysis
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Abstract
Background: Delivering effective psychiatric care in low- and middle-income countries is challenged by shortages of mental health specialists, high patient-to-staff ratios, and limited access to structured professional training. Regular academic seminars within hospital departments provide an opportunity to strengthen clinical knowledge, encourage multidisciplinary collaboration, and address educational gaps. However, little is known about how participation in such educational activities varies across different psychiatric themes. This study examined patterns of psychiatric educational participation over one year in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted of 32 weekly seminar presentations delivered at the Mental Health Department of a tertiary health facility, between May 2024 and May 2025. Data extracted from seminar schedules and attendance registers included presentation topics, thematic category, presenter cadre, total attendance, and student participation. Presentations were grouped into seven thematic areas. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize attendance trends and participation patterns.
Results: Mean attendance per session was 12.59 ± 8.30 (median 8; IQR 7.5–17). Addiction Psychiatry (31.2 ± 10.5) and Psychiatric Emergencies (20.5 ± 5.3) recorded the highest participation, while Developmental Psychology (8.5 ± 0.7) and Therapeutics (8.8 ± 2.2) had the lowest. Doctors delivered 50% of presentations, followed by psychiatric nurses (37.5%). Sessions with students showed markedly higher attendance, particularly during undergraduate and postgraduate clinical rotations.
Conclusion: Participation in psychiatric educational seminars varied by thematic relevance, with clinically urgent topics attracting the greatest engagement. Structured student rotations and multidisciplinary participation may enhance engagement and strengthen departmental mental health education programs.
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