Clinical Application of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview in Diagnosing Common Mental Disorders at General Hospitals in Ogun State

Structured diagnostic interviews are critical tools for improving the accuracy and consistency of mental disorder diagnoses in general hospital settings, particularly in the absence of specialist psychiatric services. This study examines the clinical application and utility of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) in diagnosing common mental disorders at general hospitals in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional observational design will be employed at three general hospitals in Abeokuta, Sagamu, and Ilaro, where 150 consecutive medical outpatients with suspected mental health complaints will be assessed using the MINI. Diagnoses generated by the MINI will be compared with clinical diagnoses made by attending physicians, and agreement rates will be calculated using Cohen's kappa statistic. Time required for administration, clinician satisfaction, and diagnostic yield will also be assessed. Existing evidence from Nigerian general hospitals indicates frequent underdiagnosis of mood and anxiety disorders in outpatient settings. This study will provide evidence for MINI adoption in general hospital psychiatric liaison services and inform training programs for general practitioners in Ogun State. Keywords: MINI diagnostic interview, mental disorders, general hospital, Ogun State, diagnostic accuracy