Depression, anxiety and job dissatisfaction: consequences of economic hardship in a lower middle-income country

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BACKGROUND: Mental health disorders remain underexplored among civil servants in Nigeria, a group exposed to economic hardship and family responsibilities. This study examined the association between socioeconomic, demographic, and lifestyle factors with anxiety, depression, and job satisfaction. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey of 538 civil servants collected data on demographics, income, health status, dependents, and exercise frequency. Anxiety, depression and job satisfaction were assessed using GAD-7, PHQ-9, and MSQ, respectively. Multinomial regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Respondents had a mean age of 39 years and were predominantly male (72.7%) and married (79.6%). Hypertension prevalence was 15.0%. Anxiety was significantly reduced among those engaging in daily (aOR = 0.37; 95% CI:0.18-0.75; p = 0.006), weekly (aOR = 0.39; 95% CI:0.19-0.78; p = 0.008), or monthly exercise (aOR = 0.22; 95% CI:0.10-0.48; p < 0.001). Higher income was protective (>₦200,000/month: aOR = 0.11; 95% CI:0.04-0.34; p < 0.001), while large family burdens increased anxiety (6-10 dependents: aOR = 4.45; 95% CI:1.55-12.81; p = 0.006; >10 dependents: aOR = 7.43; 95% CI:2.28-24.24; p < 0.001). Depression was more likely among younger respondents (<30 years: aOR=4.15; 95% CI:1.24-13.90; p=0.021), those with hypertension (aOR=3.12; 95% CI:1.57-6.19; p=0.001), and low-income earners (<₦20,000: aOR=9.03; 95% CI:2.87-28.40; p<0.001). Job dissatisfaction was associated with older age (31-40 years: aOR=2.01; 95% CI:1.14-3.57; p=0.017; >50 years: aOR=3.26; 95% CI:1.44-7.39; p=0.005), low income, and lack of regular exercise. Anxiety and depression showed strong comorbidity, with moderate depression (aOR=5.23; 95% CI:3.23-8.46; p<0.001) and severe depression (aOR=24.39; 95% CI:4.71-126.32; p<0.001) significantly elevating anxiety risk. CONCLUSION: Mental health outcomes among Nigerian civil servants could be shaped by economic hardship, family burden, and lifestyle factors. Physical activity and higher income were protective, while low income, caregiving responsibilities, and hypertension increased risk. Integrated workplace and policy interventions are needed to address financial insecurity, support families, and promote healthy lifestyles.

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