Profile of Forensic State Patients Admitted to Zébé Psychiatric Hospital (Togo)

Abstract

Introduction: Zébé Psychiatric Hospital is the only psychiatric hospital able to receive forensic mentally ill patients in Togo. The aim of this study was to describe the socio-demographic, clinical and forensic aspects of forensic mentally ill patients. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from August 16th to September 16th, 2021 among forensic patients admitted to the Zébé Psychiatric Hospital. Results: During the study period, we recorded 28 forensic mentally ill patients. Fifty-seven point one percent (57.1%) of the forensic patients came from rural areas. The mean age of these patients was 37.3 years, and ranged from 13 to 82 years. Males predominated in 96.4% of cases. Primary education represented 39.3% of cases. Single people predominated in 92.9% of cases. They were unemployed in 64.3% of cases. Forty-six point four percent (46.4%) of these patients were using at least one psychoactive substance. Forensic offenses were dominated by murder in 53.6% of cases. The victim was a family member in 53.6% of cases and male in 60.7% of cases. They had schizophrenia spectrum disorders in 78.6% of the cases. Forty-six point four percent (46.4%) of these patients were not responsible for their offences and 82.1% were abandoned by their families. Conclusion: The information gathered in this study will help to better organize strategies for mental health promotion and prevention of mental illness and crime in the general population.