DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

This study examined social perception of stigmatization and alienation of single
motherhood in Ogbadigbo Community. This study is a survey design which was used to administer questionnaire to gather data from targeted respondents. The data was analysed using simple percentages and frequency tables. The study showed that there is high level of stigmatization and alienation on single mothers in Ogbadigbo Community area of Benue State. The study also showed that there are different coping strategies utilized by single mothers in Ogbadigbo Community area of Benue State. The study recommended that communities where single mothers should be made to accommodate single mothers since many of them just find themselves in the condition in Ogbadigbo Community area of Benue State. Single mothers should try to find comfortable level of personality as to help them out of low self-esteem in Ogbadigbo Community area of Benue State.

The study investigated the elderly behavior towards drugs taking for their well-being in Sabongida-Ora community, Edo State, Nigeria. The objective of this study was to investigate and highlight the elderly behavior towards drugs taking for their well- being in Sabongida-Ora community. The research questions asked to achieve the objective of the study were as follows; what are the elderly behaviour towards drug taking in Sabongida-Ora community, What are the causes of the elderly behaviour towards drug taking in Sabongida-Ora community and What are the best method to improve the elderly behaviour towards drug taking in Sabongida-Ora community. The sample size was 294 participants chosen from the study population using the Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling, the research instrument utilized was the questionnaire. Conclusion drawn from the analysis of the data retrieved from the questionnaire indicates that the growing awareness of the drug use problems of the elderly clearly points up the fact that real understanding and indepth knowledge of the area is lacking. Although it is true that some elderly people are receiving too much of too many psychoactive medications, it is also true that many are not now using psychoactive drugs that could significantly help them. These and other issues need intensive study. It is crucial, then, that at this juncture, NIDA actively participate and assist in the development of new knowledge and innovative service delivery models in order to provide every assurance that the elderly population who are experiencing difficulties associated with their drug use can be accurately identified and provided quality care. Recommendations were made based on the findings and they include: Physicians must always review all medications used. Special attention must be paid to nonprescription drugs, herbs and supplements. Various criteria sets exist in the literature that identify medications to be avoided, or prescribed with caution.

Substance abuse among youths has become a pressing public health concern in Nigeria. Despite numerous interventions, the prevalence of substance use continues to rise, contributing to a host of health, social, and economic problems.The purpose of this research is to establish the effectiveness of peer support programs in addressing substance abuse among youth in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The study's objectives are to identify the major types of peer support programs available for youths in Benin City, Edo State, examine the nature and scope of peer support programs targeted at addressing substance abuse among youths in Benin City, Edo State, assess the impact of peer support programs on reducing substance abuse among youths in Benin City, Edo State, investigate the challenges affecting the implementation and effectiveness of peer support programs in addressing youth substance abuse in Benin City, Edo State, propose possible
solutions that can enhance the effectiveness of peer support programs in reducing substance abuse among youths in Benin City, Edo State.The sample of 100 males and females was selected by purposely sampling technique with an equal number (50 males and 50 females). The instrument of study was questionnaire, during data analysis, quantitative data obtained from questionnaires were analyzed by the use of frequency tables, and percentages. The major findings were that many youths agreed that peer support programs exist and are helpful, although a good number still felt that the programs are not fully available to everyone. This means that while peer support opportunities are present, their reach and accessibility may not be the same across all areas. Another finding revealed hat peer support programs for substance abuse are mostly run by NGOs and community groups rather than the government. They are often shortterm, lack a clear structure, and focus more on emotional and social support than on professional
rehabilitation. Even with these limitations, most respondents agreed that the programs help youths reduce or avoid substance abuse, increase awareness about its dangers, and reduce drugrelated behaviors.

This study examined the effectiveness of coping strategies adopted by single parent families in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State. The research aimed to identify the major coping strategies used by single parents, assess their effectiveness in addressing socio-economic and emotional challenges, and determine the key factors influencing their coping capacity. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected from a sample of single parents through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Findings revealed that single parents in Oredo Local Government Area commonly adopt coping strategies such as engaging in multiple income-generating activities, seeking social and emotional support from family and friends, participating in religious or community groups, and prioritizing children’s welfare through effective time and financial management. The study further found that while these strategies are moderately effective in alleviating financial and emotional stress, single parents still face challenges such as limited access to social support services, financial instability, and societal stigma. Based on the findings, the study recommended that government and non-governmental organizations should provide targeted empowerment programs, counseling services, and social support networks to enhance the coping capacity of single parent families. Strengthening community-based support systems and promoting public awareness to reduce social discrimination against single parents were also recommended.

The problem of child sexual abuse has become a pressing social and educational issue with increasing reports of students being victims of various forms of abuse including molestation, harassment and exploitation by teachers, peers and community members. The study investigated child sexual abuse and the consequences on the educational development of students in selected secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised secondary school students and teachers in Egor Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents selected through a stratified random sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that child sexual abuse negatively affects students’ educational development. Victims of sexual abuse were found to experience low self-esteem, poor concentration in class, frequent absenteeism, declining academic performance, and in some cases, withdrawal from school. The study also found that inadequate parental supervision, poor guidance and counseling services, and lack of awareness about children’s rights contributed to the persistence of the problem. It was concluded that child sexual abuse has devastating effects on the emotional stability and academic growth of secondary school students. The study recommended that schools should intensify child protection awareness programs, strengthen counseling units, and collaborate with parents, social workers, and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of students. Furthermore, stiffer penalties should be imposed on perpetrators to serve as a deterrent and safeguard the educational future of young learners

This study investigates the effect of single parenting on the academic performance of undergraduate students at the University of Benin, with a focus on the Faculty of Social Sciences. The study investigates the impact of financial and emotional support from single parents on students' academic performance, while also highlighting significant challenges such as financial limitations, emotional instability, and the struggle to balance academic and household duties. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 342 undergraduates across 100 to 400 levels using structured questionnaires. The analysis, conducted with SPSS 24.0, highlighted the importance of financial and emotional support in shaping academic resilience among students from single-parent families. The findings revealed that effective coping strategies and robust social support networks are essential for these students to succeed academically. The study offers recommendations, such as enhancing financial aid programs, strengthening emotional and psychological support services, improving access to academic resources, and establishing dedicated support offices. These measures aim to address the unique needs of students from single-parent families, thereby promoting their academic success. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions and institutional support to foster an inclusive learning environment, encouraging policymakers to develop comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted challenges faced by these students. Further research is also recommended to explore additional dimensions of single parenting and academic performance, expanding the understanding of how family dynamics impact educational outcomes.

The purpose of this research study is to examine social work intervention with women experiencing intimate partner violence in Ogbe community in Oredo Local GovernmentArea. Three research questions and three research hypotheses guided the study. Toachieve this, the questionnaire survey research design was adopted. The study focused on four areas in Oredo Local Government Area which includes: Oba place, Samuel Ogbemuida stadium, Ring road and Plymouth road hence, population consists of 100. Aclosed ended Questionnaire type was use, tittle: social work intervention with women experiencing intimate partner violence was used to collect data from the participants. The descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentage were used to analyze the demographic data and questionnaire. Research findings showed that intimate partner violence has a great effect on women in Ogbe community in Oredo Local Government Area, which has in turn led to their poor performance. To this end, the researcher recommended that strategies should be put in place for improving women knowledge such as social workers should put in counseling programs for women who has experienced intimate partner violence and also programs for their partner to prevent intimate violence and lastly, social worker through the government should implement policies to reduce the incidence of intimate partner violence.

This study examined Domestic Violence and Children’s Mental Health in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the growing concern over the rising cases of domestic violence and the increasing vulnerability of children who either directly experience abuse or witness violence within their homes. The study sought to examine the prevalence of domestic violence experienced by children, identify its major causes, assess its psychological and emotional effects on children’s mental health, evaluate the availability and effectiveness of support services, and determine the roles of social workers in addressing the problem. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised residents of selected communities within Oredo Local Government Area, including parents, caregivers, social workers, and children above the age of 12. A total of 100 respondents were selected using purposive and stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages with the aid of SPSS.
Findings revealed that domestic violence is highly prevalent in the study area, with many children experiencing physical and emotional abuse or witnessing violence between caregivers. Major causes identified include poverty, substance abuse, family conflict, poor communication, and cultural norms that tolerate violence. The study further found that exposure to domestic violence significantly affects children’s mental health, leading to anxiety, fear, aggression, low self-esteem, depression, and poor academic performance. Although some mental health and support services exist, they are limited in accessibility and effectiveness. Social workers were found to play important roles in prevention, counseling, advocacy, and rehabilitation, though constrained by inadequate resources. The study concluded that domestic violence poses serious psychological and developmental risks to children in Oredo Local Government Area. It recommended increased public awareness, strengthening of child-focused mental health services, improved policy enforcement, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to protect children and promote their mental wellbeing.

This study aims to assess the socio-economic effect of older adult neglect in Iguobhioba. The objectives of the study includes to identify the various forms of neglect experienced by older adults in Iguobhioba Community, assess the socio-economic conditions (income, housing, healthcare access, nutrition, etc.) of neglected older adults in the community, examine the impact of neglect on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of older adults, explore the role of family members, caregivers, and the wider community in either contributing to or alleviating the neglect of the elderly, analyze the availability and effectiveness of social support systems, including government and non-governmental interventions, for older adults in Iguobhioba and to recommend social work strategies and policy measures that can reduce neglect. Situational theory was adopted in the study. A qualitative approach was applied in the thesis and content analysis was undertaken. five objectives were raised for the study. The population of the study comprised of older adults aged 60 years and above residing in Iguobhioba Community. The data generated from the survey were analyzed by means of tables and percentages. The result of the analysis was tested at 0.05 (5%) level of significance. The findings of the study show that older adults in Iguobhioba Community experience multiple and interconnected forms of neglect, with physical, emotional, and economic neglect emerging as the most prevalent. The study recommend among others that The government should take active and concrete measures towards implementing a viable social welfare programme for the elderly both at the federal, state and local government levels. This would ensure uniformity in implementation

This study examined the ef ects of household poverty on the psychosocial well-beingof childrenin Egor Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State. The research was necessitatedbythegrowing concern that despite educational reforms like EdoBEST, the "internalized" reality of economic hardship continues to hinder the developmental trajectory of children inperi-urbanareas. Specifically, the study sought to determine the prevalence of multidimensional poverty, assess the extent of psychosocial well-being, analyze internalizing behaviors, and identify the coping mechanisms adopted by these children. Theoretically, the study was anchoredon Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and the Toxic Stress Framework. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, utilizing a sample size of 200 respondents comprisingparents and children aged 13–17 selected through simple random sampling across wards in Egor LGA. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, simple percentages, and descriptive scholarly interpretation. Findings revealed a high prevalence of multi dimensional poverty, significantly exacerbated by recent macro economic shocks such as inflation and fuel subsidy removal. The results indicated profound "psychosocialerosion," characterized by a sense of inferiority, chronic anxiety, and somatization. Furthermore,the study identified a "Labor-Play Imbalance," where significant majority of children engaged in street hawking as a primary coping mechanism, leading to social competence deficits. The study concluded that poverty in Egor LGA has transcended material lack to become a "developmentalpathogen" that rewires children's emotional architecture. Consequently, it was recommended that the Edo State Government integrate trauma-informed psychosocial support services into the school system, implement "Cash Plus" social safety nets, and establish community-based safeplay zones to mitigate the long-term impact of economic trauma on the next generation