Physiological Stress Indicators Among Correctional Service Officers at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Lagos, South West Nigeria

Background: Occupational stress among correctional service officers is a largely unaddressed public health issue in Nigeria. Persistent exposure to a high-security, emotionally demanding prison environment may lead to dysregulation of stress hormones, elevated blood pressure, and impaired sleep. Published Nigerian data on physiological stress indicators in this population are nearly absent. Objectives: This study aims to measure blood pressure, resting heart rate, and salivary cortisol concentration as physiological stress indicators among correctional service officers at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Lagos, and to compare values with age-matched non-prison civil servants. Methods: Fifty correctional officers and fifty civil servants will be recruited. Blood pressure and resting heart rate will be measured using a validated automatic device. Saliva samples will be collected mid-morning for cortisol assay using ELISA. The Perceived Stress Scale will capture subjective stress burden. Independent t-tests and regression analysis will be performed. Expected Outcomes: Correctional officers are expected to demonstrate significantly higher cortisol concentrations, elevated blood pressure, and greater perceived stress compared to controls. Conclusion: Findings will support the implementation of structured occupational health and psychological support services within the Nigerian Correctional Service. Keywords: occupational stress, cortisol, correctional officers, blood pressure, Lagos.