Jinn-Possession With Psychosis, Childhood Traumatic Experiences, and Dissociation Among the Hausa-Fulani Muslims of Kaduna Metropolis, Northwest Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

ABSTRACT

In Northwest Nigeria, where Islamic and traditional beliefs are deeply intertwined, jinn-possession is a common idiom of distress for psychotic symptoms. The relationship between this cultural construct, dissociation, and childhood trauma remains underexplored in this population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of jinn-possession with psychosis and dissociation, and to investigate their association with childhood traumatic experiences among Hausa-Fulani Muslims. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2500 adults in Kaduna Metropolis. Participants were selected via multi-stage random sampling. Instruments included a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Jinn-Possession with Psychosis Phenomena Inventory (JPPI), the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. The prevalence of jinn-possession with psychosis was 68.4% (n=1710), while 42.8% (n=1070) reported significant dissociative symptoms. A strong, statistically significant association was found between jinnpossession with psychosis and dissociation (χ² = 387.4, p<0.001). Participants with jinn-possession had significantly higher mean scores on the CTQ (mean=52.4, SD=12.1) compared to those without (mean=38.7, SD=9.5) (p<0.001). Logistic regression confirmed childhood physical abuse (OR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.8-2.5) and emotional neglect (OR=2.4, 95% CI: 2.0-2.9) as significant predictors of jinn-possession phenomena. This study reveals very high rates of jinn possession with psychosis and dissociation, strongly linked to childhood trauma. Findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive mental health frameworks that integrate local spiritual beliefs with trauma-informed care in this region.