Do patients on antipsychotics know the role of anti-cholinergic drugs in their treatment? Reports from an outpatient clinic in south-west Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: In a developing country like Nigeria where prohibitive cost and availability limits the use of atypical antipsychotics, a large number of patients on antipsychotics are expected to be on conventional antipsychotics. Studies have shown that more than half of patients on conventional antipsychotics are also prescribed anti-cholinergic drugs. There are reports that psychiatric patients may not know important aspects of their treatments. Such audits of psychiatric services are uncommon in Nigeria. METHODS: Socio-demographic data and views about the specific role of Benzhexol in treatment were obtained from all patients whose case records showed that they were concurrently prescribed Benzhexol alongside antipsychotics. RESULTS: 200 participants met inclusion criteria. A third (n = 60; 30%) reported not knowing the role of Benzhexol in their treatment as against 70% (n = 140) who claimed to know. Of those who claimed to know, 64% (n = 89) gave responses that reflected no understanding. Majority (n = 66; 74%) of such responses were adjudged to have potentially deleterious implications on their health and outcome. Only 18% (n = 36) reported having ever been educated about the role of Benzhexol in their treatment. CONCLUSION: The study provides some evidence that a large number of the patients may not be well informed about the specific role of BenzhexoI in their treatment and that that some of their assumptions may portend danger for their health and outcome. Health workers may also have neglected to educate them. There is a need to intensify patient education in our clinics.