Quality of life of adult residents of conflict-affected communities in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The quality of life (QOL) of individuals and populations may be negatively impacted for years after being exposed to horrific combat situations. Research in post-conflict situations is sparse, and systematic studies utilizing QOL measurements are even more uncommon. This study sought to assess the QOL among adults in conflict-affected communities in Odukpani LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study. We collected data from 486 persons affected by inter-and intra-communal clashes between 2018 and 2022 in Odukpani, Nigeria. QOL was assessed using the World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire consisting of physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. A semi-structured questionnaire was employed to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and trauma-related factors affecting QOL. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The overall average QOL score was 13 and the overall mean satisfaction with health score was 13.3. The highest mean quality of life score of 13.2 ± 2.55 was found in the social relationship domain, while the psychological domain was the lowest with a mean score of 11.8 ± 1.95. Financial strain (β=-2.40, p = 0.019) was a statistically significant predictor of poor physical QOL; fear over reprisals (β= -2.57, p = 0.035) was a statistically significant predictor of poor psychological QOL; older age (β = 0.166, p = 0.045), being divorced/widowed (β= -6.50, p = 0.012), family history of mental illness (β= -4.644, p = 0.040), and disease outbreak (β= -6.50, p = 0.012) were significant predictors of poor social QOL. Female gender (β= -2.156, p = 0.045), primary education (β = 10.323, p = < 0.001), and overcrowding (β=-3.146, p = 0.007) were significant predictors of poor environmental QOL. Findings highlight the need for targeted mental health and livelihood interventions to address financial strain, fear of reprisals, and overcrowding, informing post-conflict recovery policies in Nigeria.