Ninth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

This study was undertaken to examine the impact of family structure on the health of children in rural communities of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Several literatures were reviewed on the study. Hypotheses were formulated to guide the study such as: there is no significant relationship between socioeconomic status in terms of parents’ income and children’s health. Survey research design was used as its methodology to answer questions concerning the current status of the subject under discourse. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire, which was the main item both in demographic data and that related to the study. One hundred and fifty respondents were administered the questionnaire, which one hundred and twenty returned. Data collected were analyzed using frequency tables and percentage. The chi-square (X2) statistical analyses was applied in testing the hypotheses formulated. The result of the analyses showed that there is a significant relationship between family structure and health of children. Further findings revealed that illiteracy, crime, hunger, broken homes, and other health related problems were some of the impact of family structure on the health of children in rural communities of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. Based on the findings, recommendations were made which include sensitization on the need to avoid large family size which can give parents stress.