Unheard Voices: Post-COVID Mental Health and Stigma in a Low-Income Setting (Nigeria)
1
Population Health Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Mental health sequel among COVID-19 survivors have been well-documented in high-income countries, with elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. However, evidence from low- and middle-income countries remains scarce, limiting global understanding of post-COVID psychological outcomes. This study addresses this research gap by examining the mental health outcomes and lived experiences of COVID-19 survivors in Nigeria, with implications for equity, inclusion, and sustainable health systems. Keywords: COVID-19 survivors, mental health equity Stigma and experience.
METHODS:
A Convergent Parallel mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected through phone-based surveys (n=912), while qualitative insights were drawn from in-depth interviews (n=15) with survivors in Abuja. Standardized tools (GAD-7, PHQ-2, and PCL-5) were used to assess anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Quantitative analysis applied chi-square, Fisher’s exact, t-tests, and rank-sum tests, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.
RESULTS:
Quantitative findings showed that 10% of respondents reported mild or higher anxiety, 2.3% depressive symptoms, and 1.4% PTSD. Hospitalization was the strongest predictor of anxiety (p<0.001), while age predicted depression (p=0.036). Qualitative findings revealed hidden psychosocial burdens not captured by screening tools, including stigma, financial hardship, fear of reinfection, and dissatisfaction with the lack of post-recovery support. Survivors reported emotional distress and a sense of abandonment by health authorities.
CONCLUSIONS:
While standardized tools indicated relatively low prevalence rates of poor mental health outcomes, survivors’ narratives highlighted substantial unaddressed psychosocial challenges. This divergence underscores the need for culturally validated screening instruments in African contexts. Policy Implications: The findings call for urgent policy action in Nigeria to expand mental health services, strengthen pandemic preparedness, and reduce stigma through culturally inclusive approaches. By amplifying survivor voices from a low-resource setting, this study contributes evidence toward achieving “Health Without Borders” and advancing equity, inclusion, and sustainability in global health.
Mental health sequel among COVID-19 survivors have been well-documented in high-income countries, with elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. However, evidence from low- and middle-income countries remains scarce, limiting global understanding of post-COVID psychological outcomes. This study addresses this research gap by examining the mental health outcomes and lived experiences of COVID-19 survivors in Nigeria, with implications for equity, inclusion, and sustainable health systems. Keywords: COVID-19 survivors, mental health equity Stigma and experience.
METHODS:
A Convergent Parallel mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected through phone-based surveys (n=912), while qualitative insights were drawn from in-depth interviews (n=15) with survivors in Abuja. Standardized tools (GAD-7, PHQ-2, and PCL-5) were used to assess anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Quantitative analysis applied chi-square, Fisher’s exact, t-tests, and rank-sum tests, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.
RESULTS:
Quantitative findings showed that 10% of respondents reported mild or higher anxiety, 2.3% depressive symptoms, and 1.4% PTSD. Hospitalization was the strongest predictor of anxiety (p<0.001), while age predicted depression (p=0.036). Qualitative findings revealed hidden psychosocial burdens not captured by screening tools, including stigma, financial hardship, fear of reinfection, and dissatisfaction with the lack of post-recovery support. Survivors reported emotional distress and a sense of abandonment by health authorities.
CONCLUSIONS:
While standardized tools indicated relatively low prevalence rates of poor mental health outcomes, survivors’ narratives highlighted substantial unaddressed psychosocial challenges. This divergence underscores the need for culturally validated screening instruments in African contexts. Policy Implications: The findings call for urgent policy action in Nigeria to expand mental health services, strengthen pandemic preparedness, and reduce stigma through culturally inclusive approaches. By amplifying survivor voices from a low-resource setting, this study contributes evidence toward achieving “Health Without Borders” and advancing equity, inclusion, and sustainability in global health.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
