Background: Flood disasters, alongside prolonged conflict and socioeconomic hardship in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, have heightened the psychological vulnerability of children. This study examined the prevalence of psychological distress and explored the coping mechanisms employed by children affected by flooding in the region. Method: Children aged 7–17 years from flood-affected areas in Maiduguri were included in the study. Psychological distress was measured using the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-13), and coping mechanisms were assessed using the KidCOPE parent version. Multivariate and ordinal logistic regression examined factors associated with psychological distress and coping mechanisms. Results: A total of 374 children participated in the study. A total of 63.6% experienced abnormal psychological distress. Moderate and high levels of maladaptive coping were significantly associated with greater odds of psychological distress (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.25–2.36; OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.46–4.04). Similarly, moderate adaptive coping was associated with higher odds of distress compared to poor coping (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.38–2.61). In unadjusted models, age, female gender, higher education, Christian religion, and higher household income were associated with increased psychological distress. However, these were not significant in the adjusted model. Ordinal logistic regression showed no significant predictors of either maladaptive or adaptive coping levels. Conclusions: A high proportion of flood-affected children in Maiduguri experience psychological distress, with maladaptive coping playing a key role. The findings indicate the need for targeted psychosocial interventions to improve adaptive coping skills in flood-affected children.

Background: Flood disasters, alongside prolonged conflict and socio-economic hardship in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, have heightened the psychological vulnerability of children. This study examined the prevalence of psychological distress and explored the coping mechanisms employed by children affected by flooding in the region. Method: Children aged 7–17 years from flood-affected areas in Maiduguri were included in the study. Psychological distress was measured using the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-13), and coping mechanisms were assessed using the Kidcope Parent Version. Multivariate and ordinal logistic regression examined factors associated with psychological distress and coping mechanisms. Results: A total of 374 children participated in the study. 63.6% experienced abnormal psychological distress. Moderate and high levels of maladaptive coping were significantly associated with greater odds of psychological distress (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.25 - 2.36; OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.46 - 4.04). Similarly, moderate adaptive coping was associated with higher odds of distress compared to poor coping (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.38 - 2.61). In unadjusted models, age, female gender, higher education, Christian religion, and higher household income were associated with increased psychological distress. However, these were not significant in the adjusted model. Ordinal logistic regression showed no significant predictors of either maladaptive or adaptive coping levels. Conclusion: A high proportion of flood-affected children in Maiduguri experience psychological distress, with maladaptive coping playing a key role. The findings indicate the need for targeted psychosocial interventions to improve adaptive coping skills in flood-affected children.

Humanitarian crises in sub-Saharan Africa exacerbate vulnerabilities, including food insecurity and psychosocial distress. In Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, the protracted conflict has created a survivalist economy where protection risks are central to household survival strategies. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated "Protection Lens" approach—integrating Child Protection (CP), Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention into livelihood programs across four Local Government Areas (LGAs). A phenomenological qualitative design utilising thematic analysis was employed. Data were gathered from Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving 42 purposively sampled respondents (including traditional leaders, women, and youth) across Gwoza, Pulka, Kaga, and Magumeri LGAs. Results showed integrated programming effectively functioned as a protective factor, reducing child labour and delaying child marriage by stabilising household income. Economic autonomy for women was linked to reduced domestic friction, although "patriarchal backlash" remains a barrier. MHPSS integration improved emotional resilience and executive function, helping participants break the "trauma-poverty trap," though mental health stigma persists. The study concluded that multi-sectoral integration is essential for sustainable health and protection outcomes in conflict settings. Livelihood programs must move beyond siloed delivery to include gender-transformative and psychosocial components for long-term community resilience.