Occupational Stress and Job Satisfaction Among Prison Officers in Delta State, South South Nigeria

Prison officers are routinely exposed to high-stress working conditions including inmate violence, moral injury, and organizational pressures, placing them at elevated risk for occupational mental health problems. This study examines occupational stress levels and their association with job satisfaction among prison officers in Delta State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey will recruit 180 officers from three custodial centers in Warri, Asaba, and Sapele using total enumeration. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Management Standards Indicator Tool will assess work-related stress, and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form (MSQ-SF) will measure job satisfaction. Sociodemographic variables including rank, years of service, shift pattern, and access to recreational facilities will be captured. Pearson correlation and regression analysis will examine the stress-satisfaction relationship. Research on prison officers in Nigeria is nascent, with existing studies documenting high stress and poor psychological coping associated with inadequate training and support. Findings will contribute to occupational mental health policy for the Nigerian Correctional Service and inform human resource practices in Delta State. Keywords: occupational stress, job satisfaction, prison officers, Delta State, Nigerian Correctional Service