A Systematic Review of the Effect of Arts-Based Interventions on Patient Care in Nigeria

The utilization of art for therapeutic purposes in the formal healthcare setting is gradually gaining prominence in Nigeria. Arts-based interventions present a less expensive, accessible, convenient option to healthcare practice, devoid of known side effects and promote health in a wholistic sense as defined by WHO. This systematic review aims to appraise and synthesize existing empirical studies that have evaluated the impact of arts on health activities in clinically diagnosed Nigerians who were managed for specific health conditions using arts-based interventions.

• 1
  In all the studies, the art-based intervention significantly improved the overall outcome of the patients.
• 2
  The predominant art forms were music (three) and dance/movement (three), followed by visual art (two).
• 3
  The groups of patients in the identified studies were managed for mental health problems (two), hypertension (two), Parkinson’s disease (one), spinal cord injury (one), autistic spectrum disorder (one), and chronic back pain (one).