Abstract
Background
Psychosocial stress analysis using validated tools has the potential to identify persons at risk of progression to adverse stress-related health outcomes. Humanitarian aid workers who by the nature of their work are frequently exposed to stress may benefit from this analysis. There is however a paucity of data particularly in Nigeria.
Objectives
This study aimed to determine the perceived stress and stress vulnerability of humanitarian aid workers in Nigeria, identify environmental and sociodemographic factors that are negatively or positively associated with stress response, and identify positive and negative coping mechanisms. Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional survey of United Nations Refugee Agency and partner non-governmental organisations’ employees in Nigeria was conducted. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select participants to ensure equitable inclusion across organisations. A close-ended self-administered questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic variables, Cohen’s 10-point perceived stress scale, and Miller and Smith's 20-point stress vulnerability scale were used to collect primary data through the Kobo tool. The dependent variables were perceived stress and stress vulnerability scores. All statistics were based on a 95% confidence interval with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results
From 11 consenting organisations, 284 aid workers made up of 98(34.5%) females and 186(65.5%) males with a mean of 35.9 (SD=6.7) years were evaluated. Moderate and high perceived stress experience was reported by 222(78.2%) and 16(5.6%) respectively. The mean perceived stress score was 18.24 (SD=5.4). Women were significantly more likely to report high perceived stress than men, ꭕ2(2, N=284) =7.86, p=0.002. Unmarried persons were also more likely to report high perceived stress, ꭕ2(10, N=284)=26.65, p=0.003). Working in rural areas and non-family duty stations were significantly associated with high perceived stress, ꭕ2(2, N=284)=9.86, p=0.007 and ꭕ2(2, N=284)=9.80, p=0.007 respectively. Over 99% of the aid workers were vulnerable to stress with 174(61.3%) being highly vulnerable. People with high-stress vulnerability were also likely to report high perceived stress, r(66)=0.292, p<0.001. There was a significantly higher odd of humanitarian aid workers being stressed if they infrequently, or never, attended social activities (OR= 2.51, 95% CI [1.07, 5.91]), were unable to speak openly about their feelings (OR=2.10, 95% CI [1.11, 3.98]), rarely did something for fun at least once a week (OR=1.96, 95% CI [1.03, 3.70]), were unable to organise their time effectively (OR=4.59, 95% CI [1.87, 11.24]), or were frequently not in good health, (OR=5.50, 95% CI [1.65, 18.34]).
Conclusions
Humanitarian aid workers in Nigeria have high-stress vulnerability and relatively high perceived stress. Regular psychosocial analysis using validated tools could identify persons at high risk of adverse outcomes. To improve resilience, organisations should create an atmosphere of open communication. Occupational health programmes should focus on enhancing positive coping mechanisms and creating more support for those at higher risk.