EARLY IMPACTS OF FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL ON MENTAL HEALTH STATUS OF PRIMARY HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN NIGERIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background: The abrupt removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria led to exponential increase in fuel prices. The resultant economic pressure may have effects on the mental health status of Nigerians. The objective is to understand this impact, we assessed changes in mental health status among primary healthcare workers and community members after fuel subsidy removal. Materials & Methods: We carried out cross-sectional study in six Local Government Areas (LGA) across three Nigerian states and surveyed healthcare workers and community members. We analysed respondents' socio-demographic characteristics and their perceptions of fuel subsidies and mental health risks using summary statistics. Additionally, we evaluated depression and anxiety severity among respondents before and after the subsidy removal using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales, reporting findings by state and percentage increases in the subsidy removal?s impact on healthcare workers and community members. Results: We found a rise in depression and anxiety, particularly among younger adults. HCWs in Jigawa state faced the most severe increase, with depression rates nearly tripling. Similarly, community members across various demographics saw a significant rise in depression and anxiety after the policy change. According to state, Jigawa state bore the brunt, with depression and anxiety rising by over 200% while market women experienced the highest increase within occupational groups. Conclusion: This study shows that younger adults, single individuals, residents of disadvantaged areas, and market women were mostly affected. The widespread mental health crisis necessitates broad interventions targeting these groups.