Occupational Health Considerations in Telemedicine and Remote Work Environments in Nigeria: Evidence from Abuja

The rapid adoption of telemedicine and remote working arrangements in Nigeria following global health disruptions has generated new occupational health challenges that traditional frameworks are not fully equipped to address. This study examined the occupational health considerations associated with telemedicine and remote work environments among healthcare workers and ICT professionals in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted with 80 remote workers including doctors, nurses engaged in teleconsultation, and ICT professionals. Data were collected via an adapted remote work occupational health questionnaire and structured focus group discussions. Results showed that 74 percent of respondents experienced new or worsening musculoskeletal complaints attributed to home-based workstation conditions. Digital eye strain was reported by 88.8 percent of telemedicine workers. Work-life boundary blurring contributed to elevated psychological distress scores in 61.3 percent of participants. Ergonomic workstation quality at home was poor for 76.3 percent of respondents, with chairs, desk heights, and screen distances non-compliant with recommended standards. Organizational support for home workstation setup was absent in 82.5 percent of cases. This study highlights the emerging occupational health dimensions of digital and remote work in Nigeria and recommends development of remote work occupational health policies, employer-funded workstation assessments, and the integration of telework health considerations into Nigeria's evolving labor regulations. Keywords: telemedicine, remote work, digital health, ergonomics, occupational wellbeing, Abuja.