By Emmanuel Chinaguh & Olasunkanmi Olajide
The Neuropsychiatric Hospital (NPH), Aro, Abeokuta, played host to a Workshop on Facework for Mental Health in Nigeria on December 6, 2023. This event, a component of the TETFund NATIONAL RESEARCH FUND Grant-supported research initiative led by the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, convened a multidisciplinary team comprising scholars, mental health professionals, and IT experts from FUNAAB, University of Ibadan (UI), and Neuropsychiatric Hospital (NPH), Aro.
Mental health and healthcare professionals participated both online and onsite, engaging in the presentation of research findings with the introduction of a Sentiment Analysis Web App for Mental Health.
The App, developed to support mental health professionals in their roles, was a notable feature of the Workshop.
The Principal Investigator, Prof. Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, provided an overview of the project and its objectives, underscoring the significance of Facework in Mental Health Communication.
Dr. Ayo Osisanwo from UI presented the Team’s research findings on face recognition in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, emphasising the role of Faceworks in these processes.
In his presentation, Dr. Sunday Amosu, a Consultant Psychiatrist at NPH, delved into crisis communication during mental health emergencies, elucidating the basics of crisis communication and emergency response and preparedness.
In the same vein, Dr. Olanrewaju Sodeinde, also a Consultant Psychiatrist at NPH, shared insights on frontline workers in mental health support. He revealed findings from the study, highlighting the insufficient training on Principles of Psychological First Aid among health workers in Nigeria. He added that this underscored the importance of these principles in helping individuals manage emotional distress and life stressors.
In his response, the Provost and Medical Director, NPH, Aro, Dr. Afis Agboola, represented by Dr Amosu, appreciated the Research Team for their timely and excellent presentations.
Present at the Workshop were Mental Health and other health workers who participated both online and onsite.
