INTRODUCTION:
mental health conditions contribute to the global burden of disease, with low and middle income countries such as nigeria experiencing inequities in access, service provision, and outcomes. mental health care in nigeria remains predominantly hospital centred, medically oriented, and under resourced, resulting in reduced community based and culturally responsive support. occupational therapy, with its focus on participation, function, and engagement in daily life, offers an underutilised public health approach. however, the extent and impact of occupational therapy related community mental health interventions in nigeria remain insufficiently explored.

METHODS:
this systematic review assessed evidence on community based mental health interventions in nigeria that reflect occupational therapy and public health principles. four electronic databases (pubmed, cinahl, scopus, and african journals online) were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2025. screening procedures followed prisma guidelines. eligible studies described community delivered mental health interventions addressing participation, recovery, or social inclusion. methodological quality was appraised, and findings were synthesised narratively.

RESULTS:
the review identified a small number of community based interventions, with most mental health services continuing to operate within institutional psychiatric settings. community initiatives included psychosocial rehabilitation programmes, task shifting models involving community health workers, and education interventions targeting stigma reduction. across studies, reported outcomes included improved functional performance, increased social participation, reduced stigma, and strengthened community reintegration. however, interventions were fragmented, inconsistently evaluated, and rarely conceptualised within an occupational therapy framework despite clear alignment with occupational therapy principles.

CONCLUSIONS:
findings highlight a gap in occupation focused, community embedded mental health interventions in nigeria. integrating occupational therapy into national public mental health pathways could enhance prevention, promote recovery oriented care, and support social inclusion. policy reform, workforce development, and research investment are required to strengthen occupational therapy led community mental health models consistent with public health priorities and principles of occupational justice.