A systematic review of the impact of post-COVID-19 on mental health among populations in Nigeria

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a global mental health crisis, with low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria bearing a disproportionate burden. Despite a growing body of local research, a comprehensive synthesis of the impact of post-COVID-19 on mental health among Nigerian populations is lacking. This systematic review aimed to synthesize peer reviewed evidence on the prevalence, patterns, risk factors, and protective factors associated with adverse mental health outcomes in the post-COVID-19 context in Nigeria. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, AJOL, and other databases was conducted for grey literature and primary studies published between 2020 and 2026. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. The Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist was used for risk of bias and quality assessment. Thematic narrative synthesis was employed due to methodological heterogeneity. The 22 included studies revealed a high burden of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress symptoms, and psychological distress across diverse populations, including the general adult population, hospitalized and discharged COVID-19 patients, healthcare workers, students, children, older adults, pregnant women, and rural farming households. Key risk factors included female sex, pre existing chronic illness, prolonged isolation, fear of infection, economic disruption, and limited social support. Protective factors encompassed social support, resilience, higher education, and eHealth literacy. The post-COVID-19 mental health burden in Nigeria is substantial and pervasive across demographic groups. There is an urgent need to integrate mental health services into primary care and pandemic preparedness frameworks, expand digital mental health interventions, and address social determinants of mental health through multi sectoral policy action.