Psychological Well-Being, Depression, Social Support, and Health Status Among Bereaved Nigerian Older Adults: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: To examine psychological well-being, depressive symptoms, and social support among bereaved older adults attending geriatric clinics in Nigeria, with particular attention to geographic, cultural, and clinical diversity, as well as other sociodemographic predictors. Method: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted across six tertiary hospitals representing Nigeria's geopolitical zones. A total of 378 bereaved older adults (aged ≥60 years) were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected via an adapted questionnaire incorporating validated scales. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. Results: Only 40.2% of participants reported positive well-being, whereas a higher proportion, 61.1% ( n = 231), had at least one depressive symptom. Psychological well-being was significantly higher among participants aged ≥70 years, females compared to males, Christians compared to those with other religious affiliations, and those without chronic disease or alcohol intake ( p < .001). Social support was moderate overall across study sites. Conclusion: Bereaved Nigerian older adults experience a substantial psychological burden. Age, sex, and health status were significant predictors of mental well-being. These findings underscore the need for targeted and culturally sensitive psychosocial interventions across Nigeria's diverse older adult population.