Relationship Between Mental Health and Out-Of-School Children Problems in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between mental health and out-of-school children problem in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two objectives, two research questions, and two null hypotheses. A correlational research design was used. 5,300 Basic Six (6) children across 15 schools in Bosso Local Government Area was the population of the study. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the sample and the sample size of 200 children, determined using Taro Yamane 1967 formula as respondents.  Mental Health Questionnaires (MHQ) and school attendance registers were used as instruments for data collection. The instrument was validated by two experts who yielded a validity index of 0.85 and 0.79 and a reliability coefficient of 0.76. Percentage and frequency were used to answer the research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 significance levels. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between depression and out-of-school children problem of Basic 6 children in the Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State.  Also, there is a significant relationship between anxiety and out-of-school children problem of Basic 6 children in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between mental health and out-of-school children problems of basic 6 children in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. The study recommended that schools should implement comprehensive mental health programs to address and mitigate out-of-school children problems. There should also be a collaboration between schools, families, and mental health professionals in order to create a supportive environment that will promote the well-being and academic success of children. Training of teachers and school staff on how to identify and manage mental health issues in school should be enhanced by school authorities. 

Keywords: Relationship, Mental Health, Out-of-school children problems, and Out-of- School Children