Abstract
Background
Mental health problems disproportionately affect young people in developing countries. However, there is limited research on help-seeking behaviours and the social support systems that improve mental wellbeing among vulnerable youth populations.
Objective
This mixed-methods study aimed to examine the relationship between social support reciprocity and mental health among young informal construction workers in Nigeria, a population at high-risk for occupational and socioeconomic stressors.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was administered to 686 informal workers to measure reciprocity, mental health-related quality of life, and covariates. In-depth interviews with 32 participants provided qualitative context.
Results
Quantitative analyses showed 25% of participants reported poor mental health. Reciprocity positively predicted mental health after controlling for covariates. Qualitative findings revealed reciprocity occurs directly between individuals as well as indirectly through trade unions and religious groups. Indirect exchanges through groups helped address limitations of direct support due to limited resources.
Conclusions
This study fills important gaps in understanding how social relationships impact mental health in developing country contexts. Findings emphasize the role of collective action and community-based support systems in promoting mental wellbeing among vulnerable populations. Insights can inform culturally relevant, systems-level mental health interventions.
Mental health problems disproportionately affect young people in developing countries. However, there is limited research on help-seeking behaviours and the social support systems that improve mental wellbeing among vulnerable youth populations.
Objective
This mixed-methods study aimed to examine the relationship between social support reciprocity and mental health among young informal construction workers in Nigeria, a population at high-risk for occupational and socioeconomic stressors.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was administered to 686 informal workers to measure reciprocity, mental health-related quality of life, and covariates. In-depth interviews with 32 participants provided qualitative context.
Results
Quantitative analyses showed 25% of participants reported poor mental health. Reciprocity positively predicted mental health after controlling for covariates. Qualitative findings revealed reciprocity occurs directly between individuals as well as indirectly through trade unions and religious groups. Indirect exchanges through groups helped address limitations of direct support due to limited resources.
Conclusions
This study fills important gaps in understanding how social relationships impact mental health in developing country contexts. Findings emphasize the role of collective action and community-based support systems in promoting mental wellbeing among vulnerable populations. Insights can inform culturally relevant, systems-level mental health interventions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 1851 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Journal | BMC Public Health |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 11 Jul 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© The Author(s) 2024.
Funding
The authors are grateful to The Research Grants Committee and the School of Graduate Studies, Lingnan University for the generous funding to support this study. This study was supported by the School of Graduate Study, Lingnan University under the funding reference (RCF-019/2021). The funder provided financial support in the form of research materials, fieldtrip sponsorship, but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Keywords
- Developing countries
- Informal sector
- Mental health
- Nigeria
- Reciprocity
- Social support
- Young people
