Knowledge and prevalence of loneliness and general psychiatric disorders during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Nigeria: A retrospective study

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected mental health worldwide, yet data on loneliness and psychiatric disorders in Nigeria remain limited. This study assessed the prevalence of loneliness and psychiatric disorders and examined associated sociodemographic factors among Nigerian adults during the pandemic. A retrospective online survey was conducted among 502 respondents between October 10 to October 25, 2022, using the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied to assess prevalence and associations; p-values <0.05 were considered significant. The prevalence of loneliness was 37.9%, while psychiatric morbidity (GHQ-12 score ≥3) was 53.9%. Loneliness was significantly associated with female gender (P=0.02), younger age (P=0.010), and unemployment (P=0.030). Psychiatric disorders were associated with female gender (P=0.040), low income (P=0.020), and pre-existing medical conditions (P=0.010). Loneliness and psychiatric disorders were common during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, particularly among women, young adults, and those with socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Targeted interventions and integration of mental health services into pandemic preparedness are essential to mitigate these impacts.