Demographics and Depression as Determinants of Perceived Quality of Life During COVID-19 Lockdown among Nigerians

Abstract

The quality of life of Nigerians has been threatened due to the COVID-19 lockdown. This different experiences during this period could have been detrimental to their mental health. This study therefore investigated demographics and depression as determinants of quality of life among the general population during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria. A descriptive design was adopted in this study. Two hundred and sixty-six (266) persons participated in the study. Five hypotheses were generated, tested and analysed. The result revealed that depression had a significant influence on the quality of life of Nigerians during the lockdown [t (164) = 7.45; P<.01]. Further, those with low depression levels were reported to have a higher quality of life (Mean = 77.87; SD = 13.98) compared to those with high levels of depression (Mean = 64.78; SD = 14.36). It was shown that no significant gender difference existed in the quality of life [t (264) = .50; P>.05]. The findings also revealed that employment status had no significant influence on quality of life [F (3, 262) = 1.13; P>.05]. Psycho-demographic predictors (depression, age and level of education) jointly predicted quality of life [R = .44; R² = .19; F (3. 262) = 20.53; P<.01] and collectively accounted for about 19% variance in quality of life. However, only depression had a significant independent influence on quality of life (β = -.43; t = -7.71; P<.05). The study concluded that depression had a significant influence on quality of life during COVID-19 lockdown among the general population in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that urgent intervention should be organized for the general population in terms of assessment and treatment of depression to avoid postCOVID psychological breakdown among Nigerians.