The flood in Fort McMurray (FMM) which occurred between April 26 and May 2, 2020, is known to have displaced an estimated population of 1,500 people, and destroyed or damaged about 1,230 buildings. In all, it is estimated to have caused about $228 million in losses.

This study aims to identify the determinants of likely Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD) among respondents 12 months after the 2020 flooding

Data for the study were collected through a cross-sectional survey sent through REDCap and hosted online from the 24th of April to the 2nd of June 2021. The self-administered questionnaire was emailed to respondents using community, government, school, and occupational platforms. Demographic, flooding-related variables and clinical data were collected. A validated instrument, the GAD-7 was used to collect information on likely GAD. Consent was implied by completing the survey forms, and the University of Alberta Health Research Ethics Committee approved the study.

Of the 249 residents surveyed, 74.7% (186) respondents completed the online survey, 81.6% (80) were above 40 years, 71% (132) were in a relationship, 85.5% (159) were females, and 94.1% (175) were employed. The prevalence of likely GAD was 42.5% in our study. Predictors of likely GAD among respondents included positive employment status (OR = 30.70; 95% C.I. 2.183–423.093), prior diagnosis of depression (OR = 3.30; 95% C.I. 1.157–9.43), and the perceived need to have mental health counseling (OR = 6.28; 95% C.I. 2.553–15.45).

This study showed that there was an increased magnitude of moderate to high anxiety symptoms among respondents following the natural disaster, particularly the flood in 2020. The predictors of likely GAD include positive employment status, a history of depression diagnosis, and the need to have mental health counseling. Policy formulators may reduce the risk of anxiety after flooding in vulnerable areas by addressing these factors.

None Declared

Natural disasters adversely impact individuals living in places where they occur, resulting in emotional distress. The wildfire that occurred in Fort McMurray (FMM), Alberta in 2016 is no different.

This study aims to identify the prevalence and predictors of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms in residents of FMM five years after the devastating wildfires.

Data for the study were collected through a cross-sectional survey conducted online from the 24th of April to the 2nd of June 2021. A validated instrument, the GAD-7 scale, was used to collect information on anxiety.

Of the total number of 186 residents who took part in the study, the majority were females (85.5%), employed (94.1%), working at school boards (50.0%), and were either married, cohabiting, or partnered (71.0%). The prevalence of likely GAD among the study sample was 42.5%. Unemployed respondents were seventeen times more likely to develop GAD symptoms (OR = 16.62; 95% C.I. 1.23-223.67) while respondents who would like to receive mental health counseling were five times more likely to experience GAD symptoms (OR = 5.35; 95% C.I. 2.03-14.15). Respondents who suffered a loss of property because of the wildfire were two times more likely to develop GAD symptoms (OR = 2.36; 95% C.I. 1.01-22.62).

Formulators of policy may mitigate GAD symptoms, particularly after natural disasters, by making long-term mental health counseling available and a key component of post-disaster management, and by investing in the social capital of the people to build resilience and support to deal with the post-disaster mental health effects.

None Declared

Suicide is a major public health problem with escalating global trends, and high rates of recidivism. Patients with suicidal behavior have frequent contacts with Emergency Departments (ED). Therefore, the ED has been recognized as a strategic site for initiating interventions targeted at engaging suicidal patients in treatment. However, there is dearth of baseline data to guide such interventions in Nigeria.

This study determined the rates of treatment-engagement (compliance with follow-up appointment) among patients with suicidal behaviour after discharge from a psychiatric ED in Lagos, Nigeria.

The clinical database of 225 consecutive patients discharged from the ED of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba between January and June 2012 were retrieved from the out-patient clinics/mental health service they were referred to. Data were abstracted regarding their adherence with recommended follow-up appointments over a period of six months.

The mean age of the service users was 35.9 ± (14.2) years and 62% were females. At one week post-discharge from the ED, 71.5% attended their appointments. By the end of the fourth week, third month and sixth month, engagement in treatment declined to 54%, 35.5% and 23% respectively.

There is a low rate of engagement in treatment among suicidal patients in Nigeria. This finding highlights an urgent need to develop local ED-based interventions targeted at engaging suicidal patients in treatment, with the view of reducing the risk of recidivism.

An assessment of the monetary costs of treating a group of Nigerian out-patients with schizophrenia, in comparison with insulin-dependent diabetics, was made.

Fifty out-patients with schizophrenia (mean age 42.9) and 40 with diabetes (mean age 41.9), attending government hospitals in Lagos, were assessed at six-monthly intervals, for direct and indirect costs (US$=82 naira; minimum monthly wage=500 naira)

Twenty (40%) of those with schizophrenia and eight (20%) of the diabetics had no income at all. The mean total cost of schizophrenia in six months (2951.4 naira) or US$ 35.9) was significantly less than that of diabetes (11 791 naira or US$ 143). The cost of antipsychotic drugs accounts for 52.8% of the cost of schizophrenia; insulin injections accounted for 92.8% of the total cost of diabetes. Patients with schizophrenia and their relatives suffered significantly more loss of working days. Cost of illness was not significantly correlated with age and duration of illness.

Because of drastic currency devaluation, and lack of disability benefits and nursing homes, the findings contrast with Western reports where cost of drugs constitutes 2–5%, and indirect costs constitute over 50% of the total cost of schizophrenia.