Emerging Public Mental Health Crisis Due To Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) Pandemic And Lockdown In Nigeria

Background: The coronavirus disease will worsen existing mental health disorders and bequeath new mental disorders on many. The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of significant depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, as well as identify its associated risk factors among people living under the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in Nigeria.Methods: It was a cross-sectional survey done online. Socio-demography, perceived stress, social support, and domestic abuse was ascertained. Depressive and PTSD symptoms were measured following four weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown.Results: Prevalence of significant depressive and PTSD symptoms among 755 respondents were 33.6%, and 42.9%, respectively. Proportions of those who experienced emotional abuse, financial abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse from people close to them during the lockdown were 16.4%, 5.3%, 3.2%, and 2.8% respectively. Perceived stress from home and lockdown, coping methods, social support, emotional abuse, and financial abuse were independent predictors of significant depressive symptoms. Work status, perceived stress from home, fear of coronavirus and lockdown, coping methods, and emotional abuse were independent predictors of significant PTSD symptoms among respondents.Conclusions: As the pandemic continues, COVID-19 appears to be associated with significant depressive and post traumatic stress disorder symptoms among people in Nigeria. Consequently, positive health practices embedded in different socio-cultural practices should be encouraged to help people face the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic while preparing a robust public mental health strategy to combat the inevitable consequences of the crisis. Aside from this, innovative efforts from researchers, policymakers, health professionals, and the public are needed to face the present and future mental health threats of the pandemic.