African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research

Demographic Variables as Predictors of Psychological Well-Being Among Nurses in Public Hospitals in Benue State, Nigeria

Okpoju Daniel Alhassan (Unknown)
Danladi Zakariah (Unknown)
Mboma Ibrahim (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study investigated demographic variables as predictors of psychological wellbeing among nurses in public hospitals in Benue State, Nigeria. A total of 286 nurses participated, comprising 122 males (42.7%) and 164 females (57.3%), with a mean age of 44.4 years. Using a cross-sectional survey design, participants were drawn from nine public hospitals across three geopolitical zones through cluster and purposive sampling techniques, from a total nurse population of 1,120. Data were collected using the standardized Carol Ryff Psychological Wellbeing Scale, and hypotheses were tested across six wellbeing dimensions at a 0.05 significance level using multivariate analysis of variance. The first hypothesis predicted a significant effect of age on psychological wellbeing; however, results showed no significant influence of age on overall wellbeing [R = .101, R² = .010, F(1,263) = 2.867, p > .05], nor on any of its dimensions, including autonomy, environmental mastery, positive relations, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. The second hypothesis posited that sex, cadre, marital status, and duration of service would have significant main and interaction effects on wellbeing. Findings revealed significant effects only for duration of service on personal growth [F(3) = 2.931, p < .01], marital status on overall wellbeing [F(1) = 6.386, p < .01], and marital status on positive relations [F(1) = 30.053, p < .05]. Thus, duration of service and marital status emerged as significant predictors, partially confirming the hypothesis. The study recommends that government employ clinical psychologists in public hospitals to periodically assess, diagnose, and manage psychological issues among nurses, as well as provide training on social and occupational norms to improve wellbeing and optimize professional functioning.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

AJMSPHR

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research aims to publish rigorous, peer-reviewed scholarship that advances medical science, surgical practice, and public health research through ethically grounded, scientifically robust, and practically relevant studies. • Medical Research: ...