The Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Access to Mental Health Care: A Case Study of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study (400 words)
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.
Related Project Materials
An appraisal of ATM service availability on customer satisfaction in banking: a case study of AB Microfinance Bank
Background of the Study
ATM service availability is a crucial determinant of customer satisfaction in the banking sector,...
Investigation into IoT‐Based Smart Vehicle License Plate Recognition for Campus Parking in Wukari LGA, Taraba State
Background of the study:
Efficient campus parking management is a critical issue for academic institutions, and manual meth...
Implementation of a Web‑Based Internship Logbook System: A Case Study of Federal College of Education, Kano, Kano Municipal LGA
Background of the Study
Internships serve as a crucial bridge between academic learning and practical work experience, mak...
An examination of interest rate communication effectiveness on customer decision-making in banking: a case study of Fortis Microfinance Bank
Background of the Study
Effective communication of interest rate information is crucial in influencing customer decision-making in bankin...
AN IGBO CULTURAL DEFENCE OF ANTI-SPECIESISM
ABSTRACT
Anti-speciesism, as opposed to speciesism, is the view that non-human animals are sentient beings and so should be granted moral...
The Effect of Workplace Violence on Nurses’ Job Satisfaction at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital
Background of the Study
Workplace violence (WPV) in healthcare settings is a growing global concern,...
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Group Therapy on Patients with Postpartum Depression: A Case Study of Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
Background of the Study (400 words)
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health condition that affects many women after childbi...
THE CONTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA TO THE GROWTH OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
ABSTRACT
This project examined the Contribution of Financial Institutions in Nigeria to the Growth of Manufacturing Indu...
The Role of Financial Audits in Enhancing Accountability in Public Secondary Education: A Case Study of Ogun State
Background of the Study
Accountability in public secondary education is essential for...
AN ANALYSIS OF POST-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES OF ILMIYYAH SCHOOL GRADUATES (A CASE STUDY OF APAPA IGANMU LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREA)
Background of the study
Qur c ānic education has been a fundamental duty upon every Muslim for over 140...
