DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

This study investigated social work intervention strategies addressing intimate partner abuse (IPA) in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to assess the prevalence and forms of IPA, identify socio-cultural factors influencing its occurrence, evaluate the effectiveness of existing interventions, and examine challenges faced by social workers. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to adult residents, including survivors and social work professionals. Of 400 distributed questionnaires, 386 were completed and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings indicated that physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and controlling behaviours were the most common forms of IPA in the area. Socio-cultural factors such as patriarchal norms, poverty, unemployment, misinterpretation of religious teachings, weak institutional responses, and family pressures significantly contributed to the persistence of abuse. Social work interventions—including counselling, public awareness campaigns, economic empowerment initiatives, legal advocacy, and collaboration with community leaders were found to be moderately effective. However, limited resources, stigma, fear of victim-blaming, and inadequate inter-agency collaboration constrained their full impact. The study concluded that while existing interventions have mitigated IPA to some extent, more integrated, well-resourced, and culturally sensitive strategies are required. Recommendations included strengthening institutional support, enhancing community sensitisation, promoting gender equity, and providing continuous professional development for social workers. The study contributes empirical evidence for policy formulation and practical guidance for social work interventions targeting intimate partner abuse in urban Nigerian contexts.

Marital stability is a critical component of social cohesion and community development. However, in recent times, marital crises have become increasingly prevalent in many Nigerian communities, including Oregbeni, Benin City. This study investigates the socio- cultural determinants of marital crisis among residents of the Oregbeni community, with the aim of identifying the key cultural, economic, and social factors that contribute to marital instability. The research adopts a descriptive survey design, utilizing questionnaires and interviews to collect data from a representative sample of married individuals and community leaders. indings reveal that factors such as traditional gender roles, economic hardship, family interference, cultural expectations regarding fertility, and changing moral values significantly influence the occurrence and intensity of marital conflicts. The study also highlights how modernization and exposure to Western lifestyles have altered perceptions of marriage and spousal responsibilities, leading to a clash between traditional norms and contemporary values. It concludes that addressing marital crises in Oregbeni requires a holistic approach, incorporating community-based counseling, public enlightenment, and socio-economic empowerment programs. The research recommends greater community sensitization on marital communication, gender equity, and conflict resolution to promote stable and harmonious family life within the community.

This study examined the impact of child abuse on the academic success of secondary school students in Ekosodin Community, Edo State, Nigeria. Child abuse remains a pervasive social problem that affects children’s physical, emotional, psychological, and educational development. The study focused on various forms of abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect, and investigated how these experiences influence students’ academic performance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from students in selected secondary schools within the community. Findings revealed that child abuse significantly contributes to poor academic outcomes among students. Specifically, educational and social neglect were found to be strong predictors of low academic performance, with educational neglect exerting the most pronounced effect. Students who experienced abuse and neglect demonstrated difficulties in concentration, classroom participation, and academic achievement, often accompanied by psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and behavioral problems. The study concludes that child abuse poses a major obstacle to educational attainment and overall child development. It recommends increased parental awareness, effective enforcement of child protection laws, strengthened school counseling services, and collaborative efforts among families, schools, and government agencies to prevent child abuse and promote students’ academic success.

This study examined the relationship between social support and mental health outcomes among women in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. The study aimed to investigate the availability and types of social support accessible to women, the mental health challenges they face, the influence of social support on their mental well-being, barriers to accessing support, and the role of social workers in strengthening support systems. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was administered to one hundred (100) women selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and descriptive interpretations. The findings revealed that most women had moderate access to social support, primarily from spouses and family members, while emotional and instrumental support were the most common types received. However, 25% of respondents reported difficulties accessing consistent help. The study further revealed high levels of psychological distress among women, with 60% reporting anxiety, 50% experiencing depression, and 70% feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities. A strong positive relationship was established between social support and mental health outcomes, as 75% of respondents agreed that social support improves mood and reduces stress. Major barriers identified included financial constraints (50%), lack of awareness (40%), and social stigma (35%). Respondents strongly emphasized the need for social workers to provide counseling, create women’s support groups, and lead community education initiatives on mental health. The study concluded that social support significantly influences the mental health outcomes of women in Ikpoba-Okha LGA. It recommended that policymakers and social work professionals should prioritize community-based interventions, strengthen informal support networks, and develop sustainable social support programs that enhance women’s psychological well-being and resilience.

This study examines the health-seeking behaviours of sexually abused teenagers in Uselu Community, Edo State, focusing on their access to medical, emotional, and mental health support. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data was collected through surveys distributed to a sample of 400 adolescents. The findings reveal significant barriers to seeking help, including stigma, financial constraints, limited healthcare access, and insufficient understanding among service providers regarding issues related to sexual abuse. While 50% of respondents expressed a willingness to seek medical assistance, an equal proportion reported reluctance, indicating the influence of cultural factors and a preference for informal emotional support. Notably, only 40% of the teenagers utilized counselling services, highlighting a critical gap in mental health engagement. The study also emphasizes the vital role of social workers in providing support and facilitating access to resources, underscoring their importance in community education and stigma reduction. Recommendations include improving healthcare access, implementing trauma-informed training for providers, increasing the availability of mental health resources, and expanding confidential support options. Keywords: Health-seeking behaviors, Sexual abuse, Adolescents, Mental health support, Stigma.

This study examined the psychological experiences of teenage mothers in Ekosodin community, Ovia North East Local Government Area, with particular attention to how socio-cultural factors shape their wellbeing and parenting practices. The study adopted the survey design using questionnaire as instrument of data collection. The data was analyzed using percentage tables. Findings revealed that socio-cultural dynamics exert significant influence on the mental health of teenage mothers. Approximately 77% of respondents identified cultural beliefs as barriers to social acceptance, while 98% reported that stigmatization adversely affected their psychological wellbeing. Family and societal judgment further intensified emotional distress for 74% of participants, reflecting the deep-rooted moral expectations placed on young women within the community. Additionally, 94% of respondents acknowledged that traditional gender roles imposed greater parenting responsibilities on them than on their partners, thereby increasing psychological and economic strain. Despite these challenges, teenage mothers demonstrated resilience through coping mechanisms such as self-motivation, peer and family support, religious engagement, and leisure activities. However, variations in the use of faith-based coping strategies suggest differing personal and social contexts. The findings underscore that the intersection of cultural beliefs, stigma, family pressures, and gendered expectations reinforces exclusion and stress, limiting access to supportive networks. The study concludes that enhancing the psychological wellbeing of teenage mothers in Ekosodin requires culturally sensitive social work interventions, improved access to mental health services, and community sensitization programs aimed at reducing stigma and promoting inclusion.

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.