DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

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

This study investigated the impact of school social workers on students' academic performance in public senior secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The main objective were to With a sample size of 100 participants, including 70 students and 30 teachers selected through stratified random sampling, the research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to assess variables such as attendance rates, behavioral issues, and academic grades. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between the presence of school social workers and improved academic outcomes. Specifically, 65% of students reported enhanced emotional support and reduced absenteeism due to interventions by social workers, leading to a 15% average increase in examination scores compared to schools without such services. Qualitative data highlighted that social workers effectively addressed socio-economic challenges, family issues, and mental health barriers, fostering a conducive learning environment. In conclusion, school social workers play a crucial role in enhancing students' academic performance by mitigating non-academic obstacles. The study recommends increased funding and integration of social work services in public schools to promote holistic student development. These insights underscore the need for policy reforms in Egor LGA to prioritize social worker roles for sustainable educational improvements.

This study examined how cultural factors influence the reporting of sexual abuse among teenagers in Ekosodin Community. The research focused on the ways cultural beliefs, family stigma, gender expectations, and institutional barriers shape whether young people disclose abuse. A total of 384 respondents aged 13 to 17 participated, with data collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings show that cultural silence, taboo attitudes toward sexual matters, and honour-based thinking strongly affect how teenagers interpret abuse. Many respondents indicated that victims are seen as bringing shame to their families, which discourages disclosure. Family stigma emerged as a major barrier, with most teenagers reporting that families fear reputational damage and often suppress discussion of abuse. Gender also played a notable role in the reporting of abuse. Girls were viewed as more believable when reporting abuse, while boys faced doubt tied to expectations of strength and emotional toughness. The study further revealed widespread distrust of authorities, long delays in case handling, and perceptions of bias or corruption in formal reporting channels. Respondents identified the involvement of trusted community leaders, confidential reporting structures, and school-based awareness programmes as strategies that could encourage disclosure. The study concludes that under-reporting in Ekosodin is sustained by an interplay of cultural norms, family pressures, gendered beliefs, and institutional weaknesses. It recommends community-driven education, strengthened family support, gender-sensitive interventions, and improved institutional responsiveness as essential steps toward creating an environment where teenagers can report sexual abuse safely and without fear.

The influence of social media on youth behavior has become a major concern, particularly regarding its role in promoting drug abuse. This study investigates how social media contributes to drug use among youths in General Ovia North East, Edo State, focusing on the relationship between exposure to online content, peer interactions, and drug-related behaviors. The objectives were to determine the types of social media content that influence drug use, examine the role of peer pressure in online spaces, and assess youths’ awareness of the risks associated with substance abuse. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to capture a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. Data were collected from youths aged 15–30 years, using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. Quantitative findings indicate a significant correlation between high social media usage and increased susceptibility to drug abuse, while qualitative insights reveal that peer influence, online trends, and social validation strongly affect youths’ attitudes toward drug experimentation. Additionally, many respondents perceive drug use as socially normalized within certain online communities.
The study concludes that social media plays a critical role in shaping youth behaviors, both directly through exposure to drug-related content and indirectly through peer influence. Recommendations include the implementation of targeted awareness campaigns, parental supervision, and policy interventions to mitigate the negative impact of social media on youths. This research provides valuable evidence for public health practitioners, educators, and community leaders in designing strategies to prevent and reduce drug abuse among youths in Edo State and similar communities

This study looks at how well social media works in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, to improve public perception of the social work profession. The study uses quota sampling and a descriptive research approach to examine the interaction and content on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The study finds important themes and attitudes that shape public opinion through questionnaires. The results show that social media used strategically greatly improves community comprehension and appreciation of social work services. The study comes to the conclusion that social media may be a powerful tool for social advocacy and education when used wisely, which will make the workplace a more encouraging place for social workers.

This study assessed the roles and importance of social workers in managing terminal illness, using the Palliative Care Unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, as the study area. Terminal illnesses often present complex medical, psychological, and social challenges for patients and their families, thereby requiring comprehensive support beyond medical treatment. The study adopted a survey research design, with data collected through structured questionnaires administered to patients and significant others within the palliative care unit. A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 130 were successfully retrieved and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods such as frequency counts and simple percentages.
Findings from the study revealed that patients with terminal illnesses experience significant psychological and emotional challenges, including difficulty adapting to lifestyle changes and treatment demands. The results also indicated that family members and caregivers often experience emotional distress and reduced personal time due to caregiving responsibilities. Furthermore, the study showed that social workers play a critical role in providing psychosocial support, counseling, care coordination, advocacy, and linkage to social resources for both patients and their families. However, the findings also highlighted limited awareness among some respondents regarding the roles of social workers in healthcare settings. The study concludes that social workers are essential in promoting holistic care and improving the quality of life of terminally ill patients. It therefore recommends increased awareness, institutional support, and integration of social workers into multidisciplinary healthcare teams to enhance palliative care services

This study used the quantitative research method to determine the impact of child labour on the academic performance of children in the Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State. The survey design was adopted as the research design for the study and a sample size of one hundred (120) respondents were randomly taken using the simple random sampling technique. The questionnaire instrument was used for data collection and the content validity was used for validation, while the test-retest method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used to analyze the data using the frequency distribution and simple percentage method. The study showed that some women are highly competent for most of the job opportunities
in Nigeria but yet are not adequately employed due to diverse reasons such as inequalities as a result of gender

This study used the quantitative research method to determine the impact of child labour on academic performance of children in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State. The survey design was adopted as the research design for the study and a sample size of one hundred (120) respondents were randomly taken using the simple random sampling technique. The questionnaire instrument was used for data collection and the content validity was used for validation while the test retest method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. The statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21 was used to analyze the data using the frequency distribution and simple percentage method. The study showed that some women are highly competent for most of the job opportunities in Nigeria but yet are not adequately employed due to diverse reasons such as inequalities as a result of gender.