The role of health belief model in improving construction artisans’ mental health intervention: Nigerian stakeholders' perspective

Abstract

Purpose In the construction industry, artisans are important, especially in developing countries’ infrastructural development. Thus, the construction artisan’s mental well-being is critical to project productivity and efficiency. There is a perceived increase in construction artisan mental ill health, which threatens the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) (good health and well-being). The understanding of health belief model (HBM) constructs may improve artisans’ SDG 3. This study explored the factors hindering the adoption of interventions and suggested measures to improve managing Nigerian construction artisans’ mental health using the HBM and, by extension, improve the achievement of Goal 3. Design/methodology/approach The research employed face-to-face interviews to collect data in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. This study utilised 38 interviewees who were knowledgeable and accomplished saturation at the 33rd interviewee. The researchers manually analysed the collected data and reported the main results. Findings Findings show that despite the benefits of mental health interventions in the sector, there is low mental health intervention awareness and practice in the Nigerian construction sector. Also, findings reveal hindrances to using HBM as an intervention for construction artisans. Findings identified 31 hindrances and were re-grouped into artisan-related, construction firm and government. Also, attaining Goal 3 concerning artisans’ mental health may be threatened if these encumbrances are not curbed. This study suggested measures to improve Nigerian artisans’ mental health using HBM. Originality/value Recognising the crucial hindrances facing mental health intervention through HBM will be beneficial in promoting measures to improve artisans' mental health in the workplace and achieve Goal 3.