The Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Access to Mental Health Care: A Case Study of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State
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Background of the Study
Socioeconomic status (SES) is a significant determinant of health outcomes, including access to healthcare services. Individuals from lower SES backgrounds often face numerous barriers to accessing mental health care, including financial constraints, lack of insurance, and social stigma surrounding mental illness (Chinwe & Ibrahim, 2023). In Nigeria, where mental health care is often underfunded and underutilized, those from lower-income backgrounds are particularly at risk of inadequate access to mental health services.
Federal Medical Centre in Owerri, Imo State, serves as a primary healthcare institution providing both general and specialized care, including mental health services. The hospital’s patient population is diverse, encompassing individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds. However, individuals from lower SES groups may experience greater difficulty accessing mental health care due to financial barriers, inadequate transportation, and limited awareness of available services. This creates a gap in the equitable delivery of care and exacerbates the mental health disparities between different socioeconomic groups.
The impact of SES on access to mental health care is a crucial issue, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. While some studies have explored the general relationship between SES and healthcare access, there is a need for more focused research on how socioeconomic factors specifically influence access to mental health services. This study will examine the effect of SES on access to mental health care at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, and identify the barriers faced by patients from lower SES backgrounds.
The findings of this study will contribute to the development of more inclusive mental health policies and strategies to improve access to care for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Statement of the Problem (300 words)
Access to mental health care remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, with individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds facing greater barriers. Financial constraints, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and social stigma contribute to the inequitable distribution of mental health services. While high-income individuals may have better access to specialized care, those from lower SES groups often experience delays in seeking treatment or do not receive adequate care at all.
Federal Medical Centre in Owerri provides mental health care to a wide range of patients, but patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may find it difficult to access these services due to various barriers. The lack of financial resources, limited availability of mental health professionals, and the stigmatization of mental illness in some communities further compound the issue. As a result, individuals from lower SES groups may suffer from untreated mental health conditions, leading to worsened outcomes and diminished quality of life.
This study aims to investigate how socioeconomic status affects access to mental health care at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State. Understanding the barriers faced by individuals from lower SES backgrounds will help inform the development of policies and interventions aimed at improving access to mental health care for all socioeconomic groups.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the effect of socioeconomic status on access to mental health care at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.
2. To identify the barriers faced by individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in accessing mental health care.
3. To recommend strategies to improve access to mental health care for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Research Questions
1. How does socioeconomic status affect access to mental health care at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri?
2. What are the main barriers faced by individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in accessing mental health care?
3. What strategies can be implemented to improve access to mental health care for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds?
Research Hypotheses
1. H₀: Socioeconomic status does not significantly affect access to mental health care at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.
2. H₀: There are no significant barriers faced by individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in accessing mental health care.
3. H₀: Strategies aimed at improving access to mental health care will not significantly benefit individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on patients seeking mental health care at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, with particular emphasis on those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Limitations include potential biases in self-reporting access to care and challenges in quantifying socioeconomic status.
Definitions of Terms
• Socioeconomic Status (SES): A social standing or class based on factors such as income, education, occupation, and social status.
• Access to Mental Health Care: The ability to obtain needed mental health services, including treatment and therapy.
• Mental Health Disparities: Differences in the availability and quality of mental health care between different socioeconomic or demographic groups.
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