Psychological Distress and Coping Mechanisms Among Flood-Affected Children In Maiduguri, Nigeria

Background: Flood disasters, alongside prolonged conflict and socio-economic hardship in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, have heightened the psychological vulnerability of children. This study examined the prevalence of psychological distress and explored the coping mechanisms employed by children affected by flooding in the region. Method: Children aged 7–17 years from flood-affected areas in Maiduguri were included in the study. Psychological distress was measured using the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-13), and coping mechanisms were assessed using the Kidcope Parent Version. Multivariate and ordinal logistic regression examined factors associated with psychological distress and coping mechanisms. Results: A total of 374 children participated in the study. 63.6% experienced abnormal psychological distress. Moderate and high levels of maladaptive coping were significantly associated with greater odds of psychological distress (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.25 - 2.36; OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.46 - 4.04). Similarly, moderate adaptive coping was associated with higher odds of distress compared to poor coping (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.38 - 2.61). In unadjusted models, age, female gender, higher education, Christian religion, and higher household income were associated with increased psychological distress. However, these were not significant in the adjusted model. Ordinal logistic regression showed no significant predictors of either maladaptive or adaptive coping levels. Conclusion: A high proportion of flood-affected children in Maiduguri experience psychological distress, with maladaptive coping playing a key role. The findings indicate the need for targeted psychosocial interventions to improve adaptive coping skills in flood-affected children.