Management of Psychosis in Primary Care Settings: Knowledge and Practice Among General Practitioners in Anambra State, South East Nigeria

The integration of mental health care into primary healthcare remains a strategic priority in Nigeria, yet general practitioners often report inadequate training and confidence in managing psychotic disorders. This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general practitioners (GPs) regarding psychosis management in primary care settings in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional design will recruit 150 GPs from government and private health facilities in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi through purposive sampling. A validated structured questionnaire will assess knowledge of diagnostic criteria, pharmacological management, and referral protocols for psychosis. Clinical vignettes will be used to evaluate management decision-making. Sociodemographic variables including years of practice, prior psychiatry posting, and access to continuing medical education will be examined as predictors of adequate knowledge scores. Binary logistic regression will determine significant predictors. Evidence from Nigeria's primary care sector documents considerable variability in GP competencies for mental health, with many practitioners expressing reluctance to manage psychosis without specialist back-up. Findings will directly inform postgraduate training curricula for family medicine and primary care physicians in Anambra State. Keywords: psychosis, primary care, general practitioners, Anambra State, management