Evaluating the Impact of Computer-Assisted Cognitive Remediation on Recovery Outcomes in Schizophrenia
1Department of Psychiatry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Abstract
Introduction: Cognitive deficits are a core feature of schizophrenia, profoundly impacting functional recovery. Computer-assisted cognitive remediation (CACR) has shown promise in improving cognitive and functional outcomes globally, but its effectiveness in low-resource settings like Nigeria remains under-investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CACR on recovery outcomes among patients with schizophrenia in Northwest Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 500 participants attending the psychiatric clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria. Participants were allocated to either a 12-week CACR programme (n=250) using the BrainHQ platform or treatment as usual (TAU, n=250). Recovery was assessed using the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS). Data were analysed using independent t-tests, Chi-square tests, and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
Results: Post-intervention, the CACR group showed a significant improvement in total RAS scores (mean=78.3, SD=9.1) compared to the TAU group (mean=62.4, SD=10.5) (p<0.001). All RAS subscale scores (Personal Confidence, Willingness to Ask for Help, Goal Orientation, Reliance on Others, No Domination by Symptoms) were also significantly higher in the intervention group (all p<0.001).
Conclusion: CACR very significantly led to improved recovery outcomes among patients with schizophrenia in this Nigerian setting. The findings support the integration of CACR into routine psychiatric rehabilitation in resource-limited contexts to enhance functional recovery.
Data Availability
Data are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author.
Author Biographies
Mivanyi Musa Murinyi
Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services,
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), Galaxy Suite, Boston Archway
Centre, United Kingdom,
Sani Khalid
Department of Psychiatry, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital,
Zaria, Nigeria,
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Published in Vol. 8 No. 2 (2025): African Journal of Tropical Medicine and Biomedical Research, December 2025.
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