Public Perception Of Mental Health Relapse During Economic Hardship Among Older Adults in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department Of Social Work, University Of Ibadan
Abstract
In the wake of the recent subsidy removal by the Nigerian government in May, 2023 and the resultant economic downturn, there seems to be rising cases of re-occurrence of mental health disorder among different segments of the population. This study explored the perceived views of the public residents in Ilorin metropolis on mental health relapse among older adults in the context of current economic hardship in Nigeria. The study adopted mixed approach which combines both quantitative and qualitative designs. Structured questionnaire and In-depth interview (IDI) formed the major instruments for data collection while inferential statistics and thematic approach were used in the analysis of the data. Findings from the study revealed a positive relationship between mental health relapse for older adults and distressing economic conditions in Nigeria. It was further revealed that lack of money , poor accommodation, high cost of food and other necessities, hunger, debt and other stress related conditions had made many older adults who once experienced mental health problems to relapse with depression being the most re-occurring one. The study therefore concluded that economic and developmental policies of the government should prioritize mental health well being especially for the older segment of the population and that of the entire citizens. There is also the need for collaboration among various stakeholders and experts in psychiatry, social work, psychology, counseling and others so as to provide congenial environment for policy formulation.
Description
Keywords
Economics Hardship, Mental Health, Older Adult, Public Perception, Relapse