Occupational Stress Management Practices in Nigerian Army Barracks Health Facilities in Kaduna State

Military personnel in active service barracks are exposed to occupational stressors of unique intensity, including operational demands, combat readiness requirements, and institutional rigidity, making stress management a critical occupational health function. This study assessed occupational stress management practices in army barracks health facilities in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. A descriptive survey was conducted with 40 military health officers and 100 enlisted personnel from three major barracks. Data were collected using the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center occupational stress inventory and a facility stress management capacity assessment tool. Results indicated that 67 percent of personnel reported significant occupational stress levels, with operational uncertainty (84%), family separation (76%), and bureaucratic frustration (68%) as the dominant stressors. Formalized stress management programs were present in only one of three health facilities assessed. Peer support systems and chaplaincy services were underutilized. Awareness of available mental health services was adequate in only 31 percent of enlisted participants. Stigma toward mental health help-seeking was a persistent barrier, reported as moderately or strongly present by 73 percent of personnel. The study recommends the strengthening of barracks psychological services, de-stigmatization campaigns targeted at military culture, mandatory stress management orientation for all deployed personnel, and improved training for military health officers in evidence-based occupational stress interventions in Nigerian Army facilities. Keywords: occupational stress, military health, stress management, army personnel, Kaduna State.