Toward understanding the mental health of nigerian residents during lockdown: the influence of age and vulnerability to COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 remains a global threat with huge implications on people's mental health, especially during the period of lockdown. However, little is known about this in the working-age population in Nigeria. AIMS: To examine differences in mental health indicators (successful coping, stress and lowered self-esteem) among individuals within the working age of 18-65 years in Nigeria based on their age and self-perceived vulnerability to COVID-19. METHODS: In a snowball sampling method, 345 participants (219 males and 126 females) of age between 18 to 65 years (mean age = 34.79, SD = 11.18) were recruited from 16 April through 1 May 2020, via online survey containing demographics and studied variables. RESULTS: Age and self-perceived vulnerability to COVID-19 have significant separate influence on coping, stress and self-esteem. Younger individuals scored lower in coping and self-esteem; and higher in stress. However, individuals who scored low in self-perceived vulnerability to COVID-19 were higher in coping and self-esteem; and lower in stress. CONCLUSIONS: Age and self-perceived vulnerability to COVID-19 are vital in determining levels of coping, stress and self-esteem among working-age population in Nigeria during COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological interventions are suggested to improve emotional and behavioural adjustments; and personal value during the pandemic.