GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

This study expounded on family income and financial management as correlates of the health status of the family members in Rivers State. To carry out the study, descriptive survey design was adopted. The study was carried out in River State. The targeted population for the study comprised of all head of families in River State. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 50 household across the 3 sectorial districts of the state. This gave a total of 150 respondents, which formed the sample size for this study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Family Income and Financial Management as Correlates of Health Status of the Family Members in River State Questionnaire (FIFMCHSFMRSQ)”.  Face and content validation of the instrument was carried out by an expert in test, measurement, and evaluation in order to ensure that the instrument has the accuracy, appropriateness, and completeness for the study under consideration. The reliability coefficient obtained was 0.87, and this was high enough to justify the use of the instrument. The researcher subjected the data generated for this study to appropriate statistical technique such descriptive statistics to answer research questions. The result of the data analysis revealed that “nutritional quality and food security” was the highest effect of family income on health status of family members. It also showed that “Reduction in Financial Stress” among other effects of financial management, was the most prominent for financial management on health status of family members.  The study concluded that family income and financial management are vital determinants of health and well-being, particularly in Rivers State, Nigeria. One of the recommendations made was that families should create and adhere to budgets that prioritise essential needs such as healthcare, nutritious food, and safe living conditions.

Keywords: Family Income, Financial Management, Health Status, Family Members and Rivers State