Abstract
This study investigated relationship between age and emotional health problems among civil servants in Enugu state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined: proportion of civil servants who experience EHPs (depression, anxiety and stress) in Nsukka LGA of Enugu state, relationship between age of the civil servants and EHPs in the are. Cross sectional survey research method was employed in the study. One hypothesis was tested by the study. The population for the study consisted of 959 civil servants currently employed at Nsukka (LGA) of Enugu State. The sample for this study consisted of 282 civil servants. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Hypothesis was tested using regression analysis at .05 level of significance. Findings show seven depression indicators with scores ranging from 160 (66.3%) – 100 (41.5%). These include, among others “I found it difficult to work up the initiative to do all things” 160(66.3%), “I felt I was not much as a person” 100(41.5%), “I felt down hearted and blue 152(63). Other findings are seven indicators of anxiety, including I was aware of dryness in my mouth” 130(54%), “I experienced trembling” 128(53.%1), “I was close to panic” 148(61.4%), and others. There are also seven indicators of stress, including “I found it difficult to wind down” 136(56.3%), “I tended to overreact to situations” 166(68.9%), “I felt that I was using a lot of nervous energy” 152(63.1%) and others. Overall, moderate proportion (58.5%) of civil servant experience EHPs. Age was found to be a significant predictor of EHPs among civil servants. The study recommends that special training should be organized for civil servants who are within vulnerable age group to EHPs to help them become more resilient to EHPs.