Physiological Determinants of Occupational Performance Among Health Workers in Rural Primary Health Centres in Taraba State, North East Nigeria

Background: Primary health care delivery in rural North East Nigeria is compromised by workforce attrition, poor infrastructure, and inadequate attention to the physiological wellbeing of health workers. Cardiovascular fitness, nutritional status, and mental health are established determinants of occupational productivity that remain unquantified in this workforce. Objectives: This study seeks to evaluate selected physiological determinants of occupational performance, including aerobic capacity, body mass index, haemoglobin concentration, and perceived mental health status, among health workers in rural primary health centres in Taraba State. Methods: Eighty health workers including nurses, community health extension workers, and laboratory technicians will be recruited from ten rural facilities. Aerobic capacity will be estimated via the six-minute walk test. Body mass index and haemoglobin will be measured using standard methods. The General Health Questionnaire-12 will screen for mental health morbidity. Multiple linear regression will identify independent predictors of self-rated occupational performance. Expected Outcomes: Anaemia, poor aerobic fitness, and elevated General Health Questionnaire scores are expected to independently predict reduced occupational performance, with female sex and remote posting as additional risk factors. Conclusion: Results will provide evidence to support targeted health improvement programmes for Nigeria's rural health workforce. Keywords: occupational performance, primary health care, physiological determinants, health workers, Taraba.