DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

This study explored the roles of social workers in hospital settings with a specific focus on the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The increasing complexities of patients' biopsychosocial needs in modern healthcare systems necessitate a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, of which social work plays a critical role. The study adopted a case study research design comprising both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interview) data collection methods to explore the various roles undertaken by social workers within the hospital setting. Specifically, the research investigated how social workers contribute to patient care, psychosocial assessments, discharge planning, mental health support, advocacy, and policy development in the hospital environment. A total of 131 questionnaires were distributed to healthcare professionals and patients, while 10 in-depth interviews were conducted with practicing social workers at UBTH. Findings revealed that social workers are pivotal in bridging the gap between the medical and psychosocial needs of patients, advocating for patient rights, coordinating care plans, and providing emotional and psychological support to both patients and their families. Challenges such as limited recognition, understaffing, and poor working conditions were also identified. The study concluded with recommendations aimed at improving the visibility, support, and operational environment for hospital social workers in Nigeria. Keywords: Social work, social worker, hospital setting, patient care, inter-professional collaboration.

Background: Rapid social and technological change may reshape ageing experiences, yet community-specific evidence on how modernization relates to the challenges faced by older adults in OkO-Gba Care Community, Edo State, remains limited. Objective: This study aims to examine the correlation between modernization and the challenges of the aged population in OkO-Gba Care Community, Edo State, and to clarify which domains of modernization are most closely associated with reported ageing-related difficulties. Methods: An IMRaD-oriented investigation will be conducted in OkO-Gba Care Community using a correlational design. Data will be collected from the aged population on indicators of modernization exposure and on key challenges experienced in later life within the community context. Correlation-focused analytical procedures will be used to assess the direction and strength of associations between modernization-related measures and identified challenges. Results: The study is expected to describe the pattern of association between modernization and challenges among the aged population in OkO-Gba Care Community, indicating whether greater modernization exposure corresponds to reduced, intensified, or differently distributed challenges across key areas of later-life wellbeing. Conclusion: By specifying how modernization correlates with the challenges of older adults in OkO-Gba Care Community, Edo State, the study is intended to inform community- and policy-level responses that better align modernization processes with the needs of ageing populations.

Mental health challenges among secondary school students have become a growing concern globally with Nigeria experiencing a significant rise in mental health issues among adolescents. This study explores the mental health challenges faced by secondary school students in Nigeria, identifying key factors contributing to these issues and examining the coping mechanisms employed by students. The research also investigates the role of schools, families, and communities in addressing mental health challenges and promoting well-being among adolescents. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A survey was administered to 400 secondary school students in Ekosodin, followed by in-depth interviews with 30 students, teachers, and school counselors. The findings reveal that academic pressure, family problems, social relationships and stigma surrounding mental health are major contributors to mental health challenges among secondary school students. Anxiety, depression, and stress were the most commonly reported mental health issues, with female students reporting higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to male students. The study highlights the importance of early identification and intervention as well as the need for comprehensive mental health support systems in schools. The research also emphasizes the role of families and communities in promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma. The findings suggest that schools should prioritize mental health education, provide accessible counseling services and train teachers to identify and support students struggling with mental health issues. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on adolescent mental health in Nigeria, providing insights into the complex interplay of factors influencing mental health outcomes. The research underscores the need for a multi-level approach to addressing mental health challenges involving individual, family, school, and community-level interventions. By promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma and increasing access to support services, Nigeria can take steps towards improving the mental well- being of its adolescent population. The study's findings have implications for policymakers, educators, parents, and mental health professionals, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to address mental health challenges among secondary school students. Recommendations include integrating mental health education into school curricula, increasing funding for school counseling services, and promoting community-based mental health initiatives.

The study investigated awareness creation of mental health in the society by social workers in Okabere Community in Ikpoba Okha LGA of Benin City Edo state, Nigeria. The objective of this study was to investigate and highlight the level of awareness creation of mental health by Social Workers. Five research questions were asked to achieve the objective of the study. The sample size was 301 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 Due to the negative impact of social media on student’s life, such as ineffective studies, poor academic performance and the general mental health status, putting effective measures in place is pertinent to their academic success and general life. This was done by identifying the major ways social workers couldcreate awareness of mental health and finding the appropriate remedy, based on the analysis made, this thesis , It was discovered that, there is a big relationship between mental health awareness and mental health balance in Okabere community as 59.1% of the respondents strongly agreed to the question ,. It is therefore recommended that recommended that social auxiliary workers assist the social workers in the provision of mental health services. This is because the high caseloads that each social worker is typically burdened with is a precursor to mental fatigue and consequent decline in effectiveness

The study investigated awareness creation of mental health in the society by social workers in Okabere Community in Ikpoba Okha LGA of Benin City Edo state, Nigeria. The objective of this study was to investigate and highlight the level of awareness creation of mental health by Social Workers. Five research questions were asked to achieve the objective of the study. The sample size was 301 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 Due to the negative impact of social media on student’s life, such as ineffective studies, poor academic performance and the general mental health status, putting effective measures in place is pertinent to their academic success and general life. This was done by identifying the major ways social workers couldcreate awareness of mental health and finding the appropriate remedy, based on the analysis made, this thesis , It was discovered that, there is a big relationship between mental health awareness and mental health balance in Okabere community as 59.1% of the respondents strongly agreed to the question ,. It is therefore recommended that recommended that social auxiliary workers assist the social workers in the provision of mental health services. This is because the high caseloads that each social worker is typically burdened with is a precursor to mental fatigue and consequent decline in effectiveness

The study focused on Social Work Intervention and Rehabilitation of Victims of Drug Abuse in Ekosodin Community, Benin City. A literature review was conducted to determine the breadth of factors that contribute to drugs abuse and correlated risk-taking behaviours, and to identify relevant evidence-based treatments. The research design adopted for this study was survey research design using stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used was questionnaire. Simple percentage statistical method was used to analysis data gathered during this study. The survey research design was used for study to elicit fact. The total number of one hundred (100) questionnaire were administered to the respondents. Following the findings from this research, it was revealed that Drug abuse in adolescence constitutes one of the most deadly menaces faced by Nigerians today. It has been identified as a social vice that must be eradicated. The study revealed that Family background play a major and foremost role in contributing to adolescent substance use, both positively and negatively. The study also revealed that the community have a significant influence on substance use among adolescent. It is recommended that communities should attract and encourage teenagers to participate.

Family violence ensues in various forms of which domestic violence is one among other forms of abuse and aggression that produce crises in the family. Drawing from crisis theorists, Lindeman families have various kinds of crises such as abuse and violent behavior (DV), infidelity, economic distress, illness and disability, death and grief. Here, we will discuss family violence with domestic violence undertone. When abuse and violent behavior happens within the family circle, it is termed as family violence or domestic violence. It ranges from couple, intimate partner abuse (DV) to child (physical assault, neglect, emotional abuse), and elderly abuse. Abuse is any harm done to a person which can be physical, psychological, or sexual in nature.

This study investigates the impact of social work intervention in caring for the elderly in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State. The research aims to identify the challenges faced by the elderly in the region and examine the effectiveness of social work interventions in improving their well-being and quality of life. A mixed-method research design was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The study's findings are expected to highlight the crucial role of social workers in providing emotional support, facilitating access to necessary resources, and promoting empowerment and self-management among the elderly. The study's results will have significant implications for policy and practice, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address the healthcare challenges faced by the elderly in Egor Local Government Area.

This study examined the Social Work Intervention Strategies and Rehabilitation Outcome for Victims of Child Labour in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Child labour remains a critical social problem that threatens the educational attainment, health, and overall development of children. It is driven by multiple factors, including poverty,unemployment, cultural practices, and family disintegration, which often expose childrento exploitation, abuse, and long-term psychosocial challenges. Social work intervention offers a professional framework for addressing these issues by providing preventive, remedial, and rehabilitative support aimed at rescuing, protecting, and reintegrating affected children into society. The objectives of the study were to: identify the causes of child labour in Egor Local Government Area, examine the socio-economic and cultural factors influencing child labour practices, explore the effectiveness of social work intervention strategies in the rehabilitation of victims, assess the roles of families, schools, and communities in supporting rehabilitation, and investigate the challenges confronting social workers in implementing interventions. The study was anchored on the Ecological Systems Theory as theoretical frameworks. A quantitative survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised children engaged in child labour, their families, social workers, and community stakeholders within Egor LGA. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling procedures. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by experts in social work, while reliability was ensured through test–retest methods. Findings revealed that poverty, broken homes, peer pressure, lack of parental supervision, cultural practices, and economic hardship are major causes of child labour. The study further showed that while social workers play important roles in counseling, advocacy, rescue operations, and community sensitization, their effectiveness is limited by inadequate resources, policy gaps, and low institutional recognition. The study recommended, among others, that government should strengthen child protection policies, integrate professional social workers into community and school systems, and provide sustainable economic and educational support for vulnerable families. Communities and families should also be sensitized to their roles in preventing child labour, while NGOs and stakeholders should collaborate with social workers to improve rehabilitation outcomes. Keywords: Child Labour, Social Work, Intervention Strategies, Rehabilitation,

Graetz (2006) asserts that all learning takes place in a physical environment with quantifiable and perceptible physical characteristics, be it in a large lecture hall, underneath a tree, or in front of a computer screen. Lizzio, Wilson and Simons (2002) identified the learning environment as a major variable in the interacting system of the learning process. Learning environment and how it is perceived by the students or learners have been identified as having major influence on both learning processes and outcomes. In this regard, Frenzel, Pekrun and Goetz (2007) reports that numerous studies have clearly demonstrated the significant relationship between perceived learning environmentand student achievement. Randhawa and Michayluk (1974) attribute much of the reliable variance in student performance to the aptitude of the learner and the environment of learning. In the view of Zhu, Valcke, Schellens and Li (2009), the quality of student learning seems to be closely related to their perceptions of the learning environment.