Analysis of Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study analysed the socioeconomic factors affecting the quality of life residents in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was guided by three research questions and hypotheses. The study adopted a qualitative and quantitative survey research design. The population of the study area was 469,788 persons, as projected in the 2022 population. A sample of 400 respondents was selected to represent the population of Ikwerre local government area. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, while stratified random sampling was used to pick the respondents. The study revealed, among others, that multiple regression coefficient (R) was 0.44 and 0.41, indicating a moderate and significant relationship between the socioeconomic factors and the quality of life of residents in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State respectively. Furthermore, there is no significant variation in residents’ perceptions of the quality of life across localities in Rivers State’s Ikwerre Local Government Area (sig. = 0.00 > 0.05, F = 4.17, df = 382). Based on the findings, the study concluded that innovative ideas and programmes like job creation, improved access to healthcare an education, and poverty alleviation among others need to be implemented in order to secure the quality of life for rural populations. Therefore, the study recommended, among others that the Ikwerre Local Government Council should implement public policies that address the needs of low-income earners so that their socioeconomic status can be improved and their quality of life enhanced.