The Differential Role of Age and Gender on the Mental Health of Nigerian Healthcare Workers

In recent years, the mental health of healthcare workers in Nigeria has increased significantly. There is an increasing interest in understanding how age and gender contribute to mental health among these workers. Most existing research, however, focuses on populations from Western and Asian nations. This study analyzes data from a sample of Nigerian healthcare workers to address this gap and enhance the understanding of mental well-being in Nigeria. The study employed inferential statistics using the T-test and ANOVA to determine significant differences in mental health outcomes between male and female HCWs. The results indicate that male healthcare workers had a slightly higher average depression score (x̄ = 11.56) compared to their female counterparts (x̄ = 11.07). Additionally, healthcare workers aged 20-35 years had a marginally higher average depression score (x̄ = 11.27) compared to those aged 36-60 years (x̄ = 11.15). However, the effect size (ɳ² = 0.0006) shows that age accounts for only 0.06% of the variance in depression levels among healthcare workers in Nigeria, indicating a minimal effect. The findings suggest that while age and gender may influence the mental well-being of healthcare workers, other factors likely play a more significant role. Therefore, the study recommends implementing comprehensive mental health programs accessible to all healthcare workers, regardless of age or gender. This approach aims to provide universal support and improve the overall mental health of healthcare staff.