Profile of forensic patients admitted for medico-legal and psychiatric assessment at Ndera Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda: demographic, clinical and forensic factors

Abstract

ABSTRACT Forensic psychiatric care aims to improve mental health and reduce recidivism in mentally disordered offenders, facilitating community reintegration in a secure treatment environment. This study explores the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals undergoing medico-legal psychiatric assessments at Ndera Neuro Psychiatric Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda. Conducted as a descriptive study, data were collected retrospectively from patient files, with analysis revealing that the majority (76%) were males, predominantly aged 18–45 years (median age 31.5 years). A significant proportion (62.9%) was single, and unemployment rates stood at 56.4%. Clinically, 53% had a history of psychiatric illness, with substance abuse (24.2%), bipolar disorder (14.5%), and schizoaffective disorders (6.5%) being the prevalent diagnoses. Notably, 41.9% had comorbidities. The crimes committed included physical assault (46.7%), sexual assault (25.8%), and murder (21.0%). These findings emphasize the need for targeted policies addressing mental health and socioeconomic disparities in this population, as well as interventions to reduce criminal involvement. It highlights the complexity of cases, with a considerable proportion exhibiting multiple hospital admissions and diverse psychiatric conditions. The study underscores the importance of a secure treatment environment, aligning with the broader objective of improving mental health and minimizing recidivism in mentally disordered offenders.