Differential effect of gender, marital status, religion, ethnicity, education and employment status on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria.

We examine the differential effect of gender, marital status, ethnicity, religion, education and employment status on mental health indicators (successful coping, stress & self-esteem) during COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria. Applying a cross sectional approach, we administered an anonymised online questionnaire to select 353 individuals (mean age = 34.84, SD = 11.19) from 17 April to 24 May 2020. Married individuals coped better, were less stressed and reported high self-esteem. Christians were less stressed and have high self-esteem. Yoruba ethnic group coped better and were high in self-esteem, while Igbo ethnic group was less stressed. Also, postgraduate degree holders coped well; secondary education holders were highly stressed; while first degree holders were high in self-esteem. Self-employed respondents successfully coped, while the unemployed were high in stress and low in self-esteem. Marital status and employment status directly and interactively affected overall mental health. Officially employed persons reported higher self-esteem and less stress. Married females, single males and self-employed males coped better, while self-employed singles recorded highest stress. No gender difference was observed in mental health indicators. The degree of differences in Nigerians' mental health indicators according to socio-demographics and the importance in improving mental health during and post COVID-19 pandemic are highlighted.

Death Anxiety From Quality of Life and Emotional Impact of Event: A Case Study of Proximate Earwitnesses of Dana Air Crash in Nigeria.

The study investigated the traumatic impact of the Dana 2012 plane crash in Lagos, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey, the roles of quality of life (QoL) and impact of event were examined against death anxiety of the proximate inhabitants of the crash site. Result showed significant influence of QoL on death anxiety, with higher QoL participants manifesting higher levels of death anxiety. However, impact of the crash event and demographic indicators such as age, sex, pilot preference, and belief-in-life after death did not influence death anxiety of participants. It can be concluded from these results that the perception of higher QoL has a profound influence on death anxiety of people reminiscing mortality reminders no matter their age, sex, beliefs, and life preferences. It is recommended that anxious death-related experiences be prevented in all spheres of life in pursuit of safety and sound mental health of the people.