The Effect of Socioeconomic Factors on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Youths in Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

This study specifically examined the effect of socioeconomic factors on youth psychosocial outcomes and assessed the current level of psychosocial well-being among youths in Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population comprised youths aged 15–35 years residing in the study area. Using Yamane’s (1967) formula, a sample of 200 respondents was selected through multi-stage sampling techniques. A validated structured questionnaire with Likert-scale items was administered to collect data on socioeconomic variables and psychosocial well-being indicators. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and multiple regression analysis with SPSS version 26. Results indicated moderate socioeconomic challenges among respondents (overall M = 2.77, SD = 1.04), with low household income, unemployment/underemployment, and restricted digital access emerging as dominant stressors. Despite these constraints, youths reported a generally positive level of psychosocial well-being (overall M = 2.97, SD = 0.90), demonstrating relatively high life satisfaction (M = 3.14), optimism about the future (M = 2.93), effective stress-coping abilities (M = 3.08), and strong perceived social support. Regression analysis revealed that socioeconomic factors collectively explained 54.6% of the variance in psychosocial well-being (R² = 0.546, p < 0.05), with employment status and income level as the strongest predictors. The findings highlight both the resilience of youths in Ikenne LGA and the significant influence of structural economic conditions on their mental and social health. For social work practice, the study underscores the urgent need for integrated, community-based interventions that combine economic empowerment programmes, accessible mental health support, skill acquisition initiatives, and strengthened family and community networks to sustain and enhance psychosocial well-being among Nigerian youths.