ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF PARTICIPATION IN RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ON MENTAL HEALTH OF PARTICIPANTS IN ABUJA

Abstract

This study is aimed at assessing the impact of participation in recreational activities on mental health of participants. The survey was carried out in the city of Abuja using City Park and National stadium as study areas. To achieve the objectives, the methodology used for the survey employed primary data collection through the administration of 250 copies of questionnaire using stratified and random sampling technique. With the aid of the SPSS and Excel Packages, data was coded and analyzed using frequency tables, percentage, mean score analysis, the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and Regression analysis. Study evidence revealed that males, particularly youths participate more in recreational activities with a higher involvement in swimming activities. However, the effects vary among different respondents, the level of impacts ranges from 60% - 90% amongst 50% of the respondents. Statistical analysis showed 39% and 14% correlation between duration and frequency of recreational participation and impact of recreation on respondent’s mental health. While highest educational attainment and religion is significant to variation of impact, Age, gender, marital status, occupation, and income showed no significance to variation of impacts. The study recommend that there should be continued advocacy campaigns through collaborative efforts of the government, non-governmental organization, faith and community based organizations using symposia, workshops, and the radio to enlighten the public on the importance and disadvantage of recreation. The study concludes that recreation could have a positive or negative effect on mental health depending on the duration and frequency of participation as well as the religion and highest educational attainment of participants.