College of medical sciences conference abstracts

Background: Emerging infectious diseases have persistently plagued Nigerians over the past decade.The recent escalation of Monkeypox cases since its resurgence in 2017 evoked psychological and social distresses akin to that experienced during the HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 outbreaks.This scoping review aims at providing an overview of recent evidence on Mental Health Implications associated with Monkeypox Outbreak in Nigeria. Materials and Methods:The PubMed electronic database was searched to identify relevant peer-reviewed literature published between January 2018 and April 2023.Gray data search was conducted from other search engines such as the World Health Organization and the National Centre for Disease Control.The Population, Intervention Comparator, and Outcome method was used to develop keywords and to identify relevant studies across diverse socio-economic backgrounds of Nigeria.Findings were charted and analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis, based on the Mental Health Domains Model.Results: A total of 19 publications were reviewed, charted, and thematically analyzed.The predominant mental health impacts were self-perceptions and values based as 52.6% of articles revealed low self-esteem, stigmatization, discrimination, fear and anxiety of infection, indifference toward Monkeypox control interventions, due to misconceptions about the disease, and gross impact on quality of life among Nigerians. Conclusion:Knowledge deficit regarding mental health and paucity of research examining the psychological implications of the Monkeypox outbreak in Nigeria was evidenced.Therefore, a systematic review in the field would produce low outcomes; hence, further studies should be conducted in this area.Implication for Mental Health Practice: Prioritizing mental health promotions during public health emergencies will improve Nigerians' overall quality of life.