DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

This study is on elder abuse and social work intervention strategies in Ovbiogie Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The study uses a research survey design to gather first-hand information about elder abuse among adults aged 18 and above in Ovbiogie Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The sample size is 357 respondents, selected using the Krejcie and Morgan (1990) sample size table. The research instrument is a structured questionnaire divided into two sections, A and B, covering socio- demographic variables and objectives. The instrument undergoes content validity review by an expert to ensure it is structured and relevant to the study's purpose. The instrument is also subjected to internal consistency testing to ensure its reliability. The researcher assists two research assistants in administering and collecting the questionnaires, and the data is analyzed using SPSS version 27. The frequency distribution method and charts are used for easier interpretation and understanding for educated, partially educated, and non-educated residents or stakeholders in the community. The findings highlight the high prevalence of elderly abuse in the community with nearly half experiencing it due to cultural taboos, economic dependency, and limited access to healthcare and social services. Social workers can intervene and influence policy decisions.

This study investigated the correlation between social media and the mental health of students in the University of Benin. A total of 353 undergraduate students participated in the research. The investigation focused on the influence of social media on emotional well-being, social well-being, cognitive functioning, and resilience. A detailed literature review provided the foundation for exploring these areas. Data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires and analysed using mean and standard deviation tables. The stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure a representative selection of participants for the study. The findings revealed that social media significantly influences students' emotional well-being by shaping their self-perception, daily outlook, and emotional experiences based on their online interactions and the content they consume. It positively impacts social well-being by fostering connections and creating a sense of belonging through meaningful engagements. Social media usage also affects cognitive functioning, influencing learning habits, concentration, and critical thinking. However, excessive use disrupts essential cognitive processes necessary for academic success. Additionally, social media enhances resilience by offering support, shared experiences, and a platform to cope with challenges, though mindful engagement is required to avoid adverse effects. The research concludes that social media profoundly impacts various aspects of students' mental health, serving as both a tool for learning and a source of emotional and social support. To address these findings, schools are encouraged to implement workshops on managing social media use, promote community-focused online activities, and introduce programs that foster critical evaluation of online content

This study examined the problem of parental negligence and its implications for children’s welfare in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research sought to determine the prevalence, causes, and effects of parental negligence on children’s physical, emotional, and educational development, as well as to assess the role of social workers in addressing this growing social concern. Guided by Attachment Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory, the study adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected through interviews with children, caregivers, and social workers using semi-structured interview guides. Findings revealed that poverty, single parenthood, substance abuse, cultural beliefs, and inadequate parental education were the major determinants of negligence in the study area. Neglect manifested through poor nutrition, lack of supervision, educational deprivation, and emotional abandonment, all of which negatively impacted children’s well-being and academic performance. The study further found that social workers play a critical role in identifying, counseling, and rehabilitating affected families, though their efforts are often constrained by poor funding, limited training, and weak policy enforcement. It was concluded that parental negligence significantly undermines children’s welfare and social development in Oredo LGA. The study recommends intensified community sensitization, stronger enforcement of the Child Rights Act, increased government support for social work practice, and the establishment of sustainable child welfare programs to protect vulnerable children and break the intergenerational cycle of neglect.

The data gathered from the survey of University of Benin students highlights significant insights regarding the factors contributing to drug abuse, its prevalence, and the impact of awareness campaigns. A total of 100 respondents participated, with a fairly balanced distribution of 47% male and 53% female students. The majority of respondents were below 18 years of age (36%), followed by those aged 18-22 years (28%). The survey also included students from various academic levels, with the largest group being in the 400 level (26%). In terms of reasons for drug abuse, peer pressure emerged as the dominant factor, with 76% of respondents acknowledging its influence. Curiosity and the easy availability of drugs on campus were also significant contributors, while academic stress and anxiety were less frequently cited as reasons for drug use. Despite these factors, a majority did not view drug abuse as a widespread issue at the university, with only 34% agreeing that many students were involved in drug abuse. Awareness campaigns, although successful in informing students about the dangers of drug abuse, have had limited success in changing behaviors. While 78% of respondents agreed that campaigns have raised awareness, only 10% felt that these initiatives have significantly reduced drug abuse. Additionally, most students believe that the campaigns need to be improved to reach a larger audience and to be more effective in changing attitudes toward drug use. Overall, while the campaigns have made progress in educating students, there remains a significant gap in their ability to influence behaviour and reduce drug abuse.

This study comparatively explores the impact of intervention programs in response to patients with substance use disorders. The study uses the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City as its focus of study. Four well-structured research questions were formulated and sixteen questions were administered to the respondent to collect response from them, the population for the study include staff comprising Doctors, Nurses, Psychiatric and Counsellor at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City. To conduct the study, a total of 100 respondents were drawn. The respondents were chosen using the simple random sampling technique from the targeted population. The result of the study shows that the problem of substance disorder affects all parts of the country and that there are intervention program that have been put in place to address the issue. However, it was found that more work still need to be done in bringing this issue to rest. Thus, it was the recommended that the government and all citizens alike should join hands together in addressing the menace of substance use disorder. Regular and frequent substance-use training based on Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) for primary healthcare workers who provide care for victims should be conducted. The government and all those involved in addressing the issue of substance disorder should adopt the early intervention policy. Adequate funding and equipment should be provided for the treatment of substance use disorder.

This study examines the Impact of Domestic Violence on Women’s Mental Health In Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The objective of the study is to assess the prevalence and forms of domestic violence experienced by women in Benin City to examine the mental health status of women who have experienced domestic violence, to explore the relationship between domestic violence and mental health disorders among women, to identify the socio-cultural and institutional barriers prevent women from seeking help. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design also known as survey design. The sample size of two hundred (200) women within aged 18 to 60 years who have been or are currently in an intimate partner relationship whether formal (married), informal (cohabiting), or dating will be randomly selected from Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, and Orhionmwon Local Government Areas, Benin City, Edo State. The findings of this study revealed that most of the respondents are victims of domestic violence, domestic violence is a serious issue in most community in Benin City, societal attitudes towards domestic violence contribute to its prevalence, there are organisations and agencies that support victims of domestic violence in Benin City. This study concluded that the complex nature of domestic violence and its profound psychological consequences, which are worsened by cultural, social, and economic factors prevalent in the region. The recommendation of this study is to establish and enhance support centers that provide comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence, including counseling, legal aid, and medical assistance, and these centers should be easily accessible and equipped with trained professionals who understand the nuances of domestic violence and mental health.

This study examined the impact of poverty on the academic achievement of primary school pupils in Ekiosa Community, Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Specifically, it investigated the relationship between family income, availability of learning materials, nutritional status, parental education, and pupils’ academic performance, as well as potential interventions that social workers and schools could implement to mitigate the effects of poverty. The study adopted a case study design involving five primary schools, with a sample of 286 respondents comprising pupils, teachers, parents, and school administrators. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, observation, and academic records. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that low family income, inadequate learning materials, poor nutrition, and limited parental education significantly hindered pupils’ academic achievement. The study further identified key interventions, including school feeding programs, provision of learning materials, guidance and counselling, and community social work support, as effective strategies to enhance educational outcomes. The study concluded that poverty is a major barrier to academic success, and social workers and schools play a crucial role in mitigating its adverse effects. Recommendations were made for targeted school and community interventions to improve learning opportunities for disadvantaged pupils.

This project examined Domestic violence in Benin: A study of Ekosodin community in Benin City, Edo State. The objectives of the study are to identify the concept of domestic violence in Ekosodin, with a focus on understanding the scope and nature of the problem, examine the social, cultural, and economic factors that contribute to domestic violence in the area, and how they impact victims, perpetrators, and the community, assess the effectiveness of existing interventions, policies, and programs aimed at preventing and responding to domestic violence in Ekosodin, develop evidence-based recommendations for improving prevention and response strategies, and enhancing support services for survivors of domestic violence in the area, as well as find out the role of social workers in domestic violence in Ekosodin. The survey research method was used which consist of frequency, percentage means and a cross-abulation method was also used to test the structured hypothesis in the study. A total number of 400 questionnaires was distributed to women ranging from those who are single to those in relationships, to the married, separated, divorced and widowers. The statistical analysis was used with the goal of performing the empirical analysis and obtaining estimated coefficients, SPSS was used as statistical package in this study. From the findings, it was revealed that domestic violence is a widespread issue in Ekosodin that significantly impacts families and communities, often leading to long-term physical and psychological consequences. The study also, revealed that the nature of domestic violence in Ekosodin primarily involves physical abuse, with emotional and psychological abuse being less common. It was also revealed that patriarchal social norms and gender inequality significantly contributes to the persistence of domestic violence. It can be concluded that domestic violence is a widespread issue in Ekosodin that significantly impact families and communities, often leading to long-term physical and psychological consequences. Also, victims of domestic violence in Ekosodin often faces challenges in reporting the abuse dues to cultural and stigma and fear of social judgement. Also, the economic dependence on an abusive partner is one of the main reasons victims of domestic violence in Ekosodin are unable to leave their abusers. Substance abuse (e.g., alcohol or drugs) is often a major factor contributing to violent behavior in domestic relationships. And also the current legal frameworks in Ekosodin, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP), are effectively enforced to address domestic violence. It can also be concluded that providing economic empowerment programs for women in Ekosodin, such as job training and microfinance initiatives, will help reduce their dependency on abusive partners. It was recommended that there is a need to enhance community education and awareness campaigns to address cultural stigma and encourage victims to report abuse. Public education should focus on challenging patriarchal norms and informing people about available support services. There is a need to promote economic empowerment for women through job training programs and microfinance initiatives. This will reduce women’s financial dependence on abusive partners and give them the means to leave violent situations. There is a need to strengthen law enforcement training to improve their response to domestic violence cases. Officers should be trained to handle such cases with sensitivity and ensure that victims feel safe when reporting abuse. And also there is a need to increase access to legal support services for victims of domestic violence. with sensitivity and ensure that victims feel safe when reporting abuse. And also there is a need to increase access to legal support services for victims of domestic violence.

This work studied women participation in community development with special emphasis on Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. The exercise was carried out due to the observed lag in women participation in community development all over the country. The work had four key objectives which it sought to realize. These include: to ascertain the barriers to women participation in agriculture within the local government, to ascertain the impact of low level of education on women participation in community development, to determine how to enhance women participation in the politics of Egor Local Government Area and finally to identify ways of empowering the women for optimal participation in the overall development of the communities. The researcher made use of both primary and secondary sources of data to generate data used for the study. These data were presented in tables and analysed using simple percentage. The researcher found out the various barriers to women participation in community development to include cultural practices, low level of women education, poverty among the rural women and violent that characterize the country’s politics. It is therefore recommended that cultural practices that deny women free access to community development should be abrogated; Government should provide modern farm implements to the rural women farmers and also educate them on how to use these implements to enhance productivity; girl child education should be made free and also compulsory at least at secondary school levels. The study also recommend that social workers should be ready to actively participate in the involvement of women participation in community
development.