DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

This study examined the effect of social media on the academic performance of undergraduate students at the University of Benin. The increasing use of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X has significantly influenced students' academic and social lives, creating both opportunities for learning and challenges related to distraction and excessive usage. The study sought to determine the purposes for which students use social media, examine its relationship with academic performance, identify any gender differences in usage, and explore ways of reducing social media addiction among students. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires administered to 100 undergraduate students selected through simple random sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages.The findings revealed that WhatsApp is the most frequently used social media platform among students. It was also found that while some students use social media for academic purposes, the majority use it mainly for entertainment and communication. The study also demonstrated the detrimental effects of excessive social media use on students' focus, study habits, and general academic achievement. However, social media can improve students' academic performance when utilized sensibly for learning, knowledge sharing, and academic cooperation. According to the study's findings, students' academic performance can be impacted by social media in both positive and negative ways, depending on their usage habits and goals. As a result, it advised students to prioritize their academic work, use social media more for learning, and manage their time well. To encourage improved academic results, universities can also host awareness campaigns about safe social media use.

This study examined the determinants of later life satisfaction among senior citizens in
Benin Metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria. The study arose from the limited context-specific
evidence on later life satisfaction in Nigeria, particularly the absence of an integrated
analysis of how socio-economic factors, health care status, social support networks, and
place of residence shape well-being among older adults. Guided by Disengagement Theory
and Activity Theory of Ageing, the study investigated the relationship between socioeconomic
factors and later life satisfaction, assessed the influence of health care status on
well-being, evaluated the role of social support networks, compared later life satisfaction
between rural and urban senior citizens, and identified areas of later life conditions that
require improvement. The study adopted a pragmatic mixed-methods approach and used a
correlational survey research design. The population comprised male and female senior
citizens aged 60 years and above in rural and urban communities in Benin Metropolis. A
sample size of 1,350 respondents was selected, and 1,309 valid questionnaires were
retrieved and analysed, representing a response rate of 97.0 percent. The study used
multistage sampling, while accidental sampling was adopted at the community level because
no comprehensive sampling frame for senior citizens existed. The researcher collected
quantitative data through structured questionnaires and qualitative data through in-depth
interviews with purposively selected elderly participants. The study analysed quantitative
data with descriptive and inferential statistics using the Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS), while it analysed qualitative data through manual content analysis and
thematic analysis.
The study found that later life satisfaction in Benin Metropolis is multidimensional and
strongly influenced by socio-economic conditions, health care status, social support
networks, early life experiences, and place of residence. Among the socio-economic
variables, age, marital status, education, and economic status significantly influenced later
life satisfaction. Younger seniors aged 60–64 years reported higher satisfaction than older
age groups, while married respondents expressed greater satisfaction than widowed or
divorced respondents. Health care status emerged as another major determinant. Seniors
who engaged in regular health check-ups, had access to health facilities, and rated the
quality of care positively reported higher satisfaction, whereas poor access to health care and
frequent health challenges reduced satisfaction. Seniors who enjoyed emotional support,
financial assistance, and active participation in community life reported greater well-being
than those who experienced weak family ties or social isolation. The study identified
financial security, housing conditions, health care access, social support, recreation, and
participation in community decision-making as the key areas requiring improvement.
The study concluded that later life satisfaction among senior citizens in Benin Metropolis
depends less on inevitable withdrawal from social life and more on the extent to which older
adults retain economic security, access to quality health care, supportive social relationships,
and opportunities for meaningful participation. The study therefore recommended the
expansion of pension support, improved geriatric health services, stronger community-based
social support programmes, targeted rural interventions, and broader opportunities for social
inclusion and participation among older adults.

This study focuses on investigating social media addiction and cyberbullying among undergraduate students of the University of Benin. Three research questions were asked to find out the most commonly used social media platforms, investigate the forms of cyberbullying and to find out the impact of cyberbullying on undergraduate students of University of Benin. Qualitative research design was adopted for this study while making use of an in-depth interview guide as an instrument to gather information from twenty (20) undergraduate students selected from various departments within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The data collected was analysed using thematic analysis. The study findings concludes that platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat are the most frequently used social media platforms among students. It was also revealed that prolonged engagement on these platforms increases the likelihood of addiction, which in turn heightens exposure to cyberbullying. The study recommended the implementation of digital awareness programs, guidance and counseling services, and strict online conduct policies to promote healthy and responsible use of social media among university students.

This study focuses on the impact of stress on students’ academic performance in the University of Benin. A descriptive survey was adopted for this study. This study was conducted at the University of Benin. The theoretical framework used in this research is the Lazarus stress theory. The population of this study consists of students of the University of Benin. The sample size was limited to students in the department of social work of the University of Benin. The method of data collection that was adopted for this study was a two-time survey method using the face-to-face method. The research instrument used for this study is the questionnaire. This research identifies key source of stress, examines their impact on students’ academic performance and evaluates the coping mechanisms utilized by these students. The results of the study, among other things, show that stress management is significantly dependent on the sources of stress. Stress significantly affects the academic performance of students at the University of Benin. Learning is possible only when stressors are properly dealt with. Stress can be managed if students adopt appropriate coping mechanisms. Based on the results of the study, it is found that students suffer from the stress that comes from various causes such as financial difficulties, academic workload and social relationships. This stress affects the academic performance of students at the University of Benin. The study also made these recommendations: there should be frequent interaction between academic staff and students on how best to plan intensive courses during the semester, school management should ensure that there's proper break in between lecture hours and students are advised to create time out of the busy schedule to rest as it has a great impact on their health.

This study investigates the effects of childhood experiences and trauma on the interpersonal relationships of students at the University of Benin, Benin City. The research was guided by four key objectives: to examine the causes of childhood trauma, investigate its effects on interpersonal relationships, identify the most prevalent forms of trauma, and determine supportive measures for affected students. Employing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from a sample of 150 students across three halls of residence using a semi- structured questionnaire. The findings reveal a high prevalence of childhood trauma, with key contributing factors being parental neglect (26.67%) and emotional abuse (18%). A significant proportion of respondents (46.67%) reported that these experiences adversely affect their ability to interact with others, with 43.33% finding it difficult to trust people. The study concludes that childhood trauma is a critical determinant of relational dysfunction among students, leading to challenges in trust formation and emotional regulation. It recommends the establishment of a trauma-informed counselling unit within the university, targeted psychoeducation for parents, and the strengthening of child protection laws by policymakers to mitigate these effects and promote healthier interpersonal relationships
among the student population.

Traditional medicine has played a key role in world health in spite of great
advances observed in orthodox medicine in recent decades, traditional medicine still makes an important contribution to health care delivery system. These societies thus developed indigenous medical systems through
interactions with their environment to ensure the health needs of the people
were met. The World Health Organization estimated that 80% of the
developing countries depend on traditional medicine to meet their healthcare needs. Due to the increased use of herbal medicine, there is an urgent need for the appropriate systems of quality control in the practice as well as in the production and use of the medicines. The main objective of this study is to find out the perception and utilization of traditional medicine among residents of Benin city in Edo-State. The specific objectives of this study were: to ascertain the factors influencing the utilization of traditional medicine as perceived by Benin city residents; Ascertain how Benin city residents perceived the efficiency and effectiveness of traditional medicine in Benin city; to find out the challenges hindering the utilization of traditional medicine; and to measure the extent of utilization of traditional medicine among residents of Benin city. With the one-time cross-sectional study designed subsumed in survey research design both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 400 respondents 5 interviewees respectively; they were analyzed using frequency and percentages tables, chat and the Spearman’s rho correlation statistical tools. A significant proportion of the population still patronizes traditional medicine due to its ability to explain the hidden cause of illness and consequently cure the illness. There is a significant relationship (p-value =0.00 <0.05) between affordability, cheapness and traditional medicine has stood the test of time and lower level of education, income status and certain age group of traditional medicine. The Functionalist theory and the Health Belief Model were used as a theoretical guide to examine the people’s perceptions towards the utilization of traditional medicine, the study further recommend that Effective and safe use of traditional medicine should be promoted in order to recognize traditional practitioners, as well as to train them to produce refined herbal medicines. Hence Traditional Medicine Practitioners should be properly trained to keep them updated with contemporary trends in the world of health and epidemiology

This study explores how youths in the Ekosodin community and students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) feel about "indecent dressing." It looks at the factors that influence students' clothing choices, especially styles considered indecent. The research also examines how students believe society reacts to their dressing and how it impacts their social interactions, academics, and personal identity. To gather information, surveys were conducted with UNIBEN students and Ekosodin residents, and the responses were analyzed to identify trends. The study found that social media, fashion trends, and peer pressure play a big role in shaping how students dress. A student's choice of clothing also affects their social interactions and their sense of belonging in the community. Additionally, students who dress "indecently" are more likely to face bullying or harassment. However, fashion is also a way for students to express themselves, and their dressing style can influence how they see themselves. Overall, the study revealed that students’ opinions on "indecent dressing" are strongly influenced by their peers and the broader community. This shows that dressing is not just a personal choice but also a social issue. The research concludes that there should be a balance between personal fashion freedom and respecting cultural norms. It highlights how students must navigate self-expression, societal expectations, and peer influence when making clothing choices.

Teenage pregnancy refers to pregnancy occurring in girls under the age of 18. According to Sambo (2019), it is often unwanted, unplanned, and occurs outside of marriage. One contributing factor is early physical maturity, which varies among individuals and is often accompanied by the onset of menstruation. Ede (2016) noted that a physically mature adolescent girl may become aware of her attractiveness to the opposite sex. This awareness, combined with a lack of proper social training and self-discipline, may lead her to view sexual activity as a means of social, emotional, or financial gratification, ultimately resulting in pregnancy. Ede further emphasized that teenage pregnancy is a pressing issue due to the overwhelming challenges that young people face regarding sexual matters. Additionally, teenage pregnancy may result from sexual abuse, a prevalent issue in society today. Nwoke (2018) highlighted that children who experience abuse at an early age may struggle with emotional trauma throughout their lives. Beyond its impact on sexual health, abuse can also hinder personal development and autonomy. Various factors contribute to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy worldwide, differing across time and regions.

his study was carried out to examine teenage pregnancy and youth development in Oredo local government area, Edo State, Nigeria. It drew sample from the 533,300 population of Oredo local government area.. It made use of four objectives. A 100% response rate was obtained from the questionnaires that was administered. The survey method of data collection was applied in the study because it is only the method best suited for the collection of data from a sample of a chosen population of any study, which was applicable in the study. The findings from this study shows most of the respondents know what teenage pregnancy is, this is because they are victims of teenage pregnancy or know someone who is. The main cause of teenage pregnancy is lack of proper sex education to teenagers. This study shows that family background has a role to play in teenagers falling victims of teenage pregnancy however, it does not relegate the fact that victims of teenage pregnancy live unfulfilled lives. The study recommends that the government should encourage NGOs that advocate for women and children so that they will constantly sensitize the public on the right sex education. It also recommends that counselling centers and rehabilitation facilities should be made available for victims of teenage pregnancy.

Teenage pregnancy remains a critical social issue that significantly affects the educational development of the girl child, particularly in urban areas such as Benin City, Nigeria. This study examines the causes, prevalence, and consequences of teenage pregnancy and its impact on girls’ access to and participation in education. The research identifies key contributing factors such as inadequate sex education, poverty, peer pressure, and poor parental guidance. The study further highlights the major educational challenges faced by pregnant teenagers, including school dropout, poor academic performance, interrupted learning, and social stigma. These challenges often result in limited opportunities for higher education and future employment, thereby perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender inequality. Using a descriptive research approach, data were gathered from secondary sources including journals, reports, and relevant literature. The findings reveal that teenage pregnancy has a significantly negative effect on the educational attainment of the girl child in Benin City