Evaluating the impact of computer-assisted cognitive remediation on recovery outcomes in schizophrenia: A quasi-experimental study from Northwest Nigeria

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.