Psychological Distress, Coping Strategies, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Internally Displaced Persons in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Armed conflict and forced displacement significantly threaten psychological well-being and quality of life among affected populations. This study examined the relationships among psychological distress, coping strategies, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods concurrent triangulation design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 375 IDPs, selected through a multistage random sampling technique across three IDP camps, using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Brief COPE Inventory, and WHOQOL-BREF. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 10 purposively selected participants and analysed using thematic analysis. Results indicated elevated psychological distress among participants (M = 29.64, SD = 8.37). Psychological distress was negatively associated with HRQoL (r = -.62, 95% CI [-.68, -.55], p < .01), whereas adaptive coping strategies showed a significant positive relationship with HRQoL (r = .49, 95% CI [.41, .56], p < .01). Regression analysis showed that adaptive coping significantly predicted HRQoL (β = .41, p < .01), while psychological distress was a strong negative predictor (β = -.45, p < .01). Qualitative findings revealed themes of faith-based resilience, communal support, and emotional uncertainty. Integrated findings indicate that coping strategies were significantly associated with lower psychological distress and better HRQoL, suggesting a potentially protective role that should be formally tested through mediation analysis in future research. The study recommends culturally sensitive psychosocial interventions that strengthen communal coping resources within displacement settings.