MENTAL HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES AMONG WORKERS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Public health emergencies pose substantial risks to mental health, particularly among workers who sustain essential services during crises. In Nigeria, recurrent emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Lassa fever outbreaks, and cholera epidemics have exposed workers to heightened psychological stress, fear of infection, economic insecurity, and workplace disruption. This study examines the mental health consequences of public health emergencies among workers in Nigeria and identifies key occupational and contextual factors influencing psychological outcomes. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed, involving 720 workers drawn from healthcare, education, public service, and informal sectors across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Quantitative data were collected using standardized mental health instruments, including the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), while qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Findings indicate a high prevalence of anxiety (41%), depression (38%), and elevated stress (29%) among workers, with healthcare workers experiencing the greatest burden. Direct exposure to public health emergencies, employment in the healthcare sector, and lack of workplace support were significant predictors of adverse mental health outcomes. Qualitative findings revealed pervasive fear, uncertainty, and coping through social and religious support, alongside gaps in organizational mental health resources. The study concludes that public health emergencies have significant psychological consequences for Nigerian workers and underscores the need to integrate workplace mental health support into emergency preparedness and response frameworks to strengthen workforce resilience.