THE INFLUENCE OF POVERTY ON FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH AS PERCEIVED BY RESIDENTS OF ANYIGBA COMMUNITY, KOGI STATE

This study examined the influence of poverty on family mental health as perceived by residents of Anyigba Community, Kogi State, Nigeria. To guide this study, five research objectives and three hypotheses were posed. The study employed the primary and secondary methods of data collection. The primary source were derived from the information obtained directly from 285 respondents from Anyigba community, using cluster sampling technique. Secondary data were obtained through internet, journal, articles and textbooks. The study was anchored on Health Belief Model (HBM), and Eco Social theory. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the current living situation in terms of housing is well known by the respondents. Finding from the prevalence of poverty also revealed that the chances of more poverty occurring in Anyigba is very high among the children. In addition, it revealed that inflation is the major causes of poverty among residents of Anyigba. It also revealed that frustration influences poverty on family mental health of residents in Anyigba, Finding also revealed that being a member of informal savings and loan association are strategies employed by residents in combating poverty. Also, findings from the first hypothesis revealed that there is no significant difference in the causes of poverty among male and female residents of Anyigba, The second hypothesis revealed that there is no significant relationship between prevalence and influence of poverty on family mental health as perceived by residents of Anyigba, The third hypothesis also revealed that there is no significant difference in strategies employed by male and female residents in combating poverty in Anyigba. The study concluded that poverty is both prevalent and deeply impactful on the mental health and emotional well being of families in Anyigba Community. The study therefore recommended that government and NGOs should implement many poverty reduction programmes and strategies that will enhance the income generating capacities of Anyigba residents and improve their health, education, housing food security and general well-being.