JAPA INTENTIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTHS

Abstract

Nigeria is currently facing a sharp surge in the "Japa" migration intention among its youth population. Existing relevant research only focuses on mental health outcomes after migration is completed, and has not examined the psychological impacts on young people who are in the pre-departure migration intention stage, leaving a clear research gap. This cross-sectional study sets two core objectives: first, to assess the prevalence and patterns of Japa intention; second, to test the association between this intention and three categories of mental health indicators. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling method to recruit 350 participants aged 18–35 years from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. All participants were measured using an adapted migration intention scale, PHQ-9, GAD-7, and WEMWBS. Statistical results showed that 68% of the sample reported moderate-to-high levels of Japa intention, with unemployment and economic hardship as its core drivers. This intention was significantly positively correlated with depression and anxiety, and significantly negatively correlated with general mental health levels. Regression analysis also verified this association. Based on these findings, the study proposes that mental health support should be integrated into migration policies, and targeted intervention programs should be designed.

Keywords: Japa, migration intention, mental health, Nigerian youths, psychological wellbeing