DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

This study investigates the determinants of nutritional and health status among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, focusing on residents of the Aminu Kano, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Madam Tinubu, and Akanu Ibiam hostels. Utilizing a descriptive and expository research design, data were collected from 110 respondents through semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, employing a multi-stage sampling technique combining quota and convenience sampling. The findings reveal that while 90% of students are aware of balanced diets, only 60% consistently apply this knowledge; hindered by financial constraints, time limitations, and limited access to healthy foods. Lifestyle factors, including low physical activity (40% rarely exercise), high stress (80% report moderate to high levels), and inadequate sleep (30% sleep less than 6 hours), significantly impact health. Dietary habits show reliance on starchy staples (60%) and low fruit/vegetable intake (10%), with 70% influenced by cultural factors. Socioeconomic status, particularly low income (30%), exacerbates nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia. Although 60% report healthy food availability, affordability and accessibility remain barriers for 50% and 45% of students, respectively. Students expressed strong interest in interventions, with 80% favoring nutrition workshops, fitness programs, and mental health support. Thematic analysis highlighted financial constraints, time limitations, and lack of nutritional knowledge as key barriers. The study recommends subsidized healthy food programs, nutritional education, improved recreational facilities, stress management support, and targeted assistance for low-income students to promote healthier lifestyles and enhance overall well-being.

Domestic violence remains one of the most pervasive social problems with profound implications for families and communities. This study investigates the consequences of domestic violence on victims’ families in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, with specific attention to women and children as primary victims. Guided by a mixed-methods approach, the research employs structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews to examine the physical, psychological, emotional, and social effects of domestic violence. Findings reveal that domestic violence significantly lowers women’s self-esteem, exposes them to severe health risks including injuries, disabilities, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and increases their vulnerability to mental health challenges such as depression and trauma. Many women who reported abuse expressed a tendency to leave abusive relationships, but inadequate support systems, stigma, and fear of reprisal often hinder timely action. For children, domestic violence was found to negatively affect their interpersonal relationships with peers, emotional
stability, and academic performance. Victims’ children often experience reduced parental care, psychological distress, and difficulty in self-expression both at home and in school, which may lead to long-term developmental challenges. The study also highlights the gaps in institutional and community support mechanisms. While some government agencies, NGOs, and community- based initiatives exist in Egor LGA, access to counseling services, shelters, and effective law enforcement responses remain limited. The research concludes that addressing domestic violence requires comprehensive interventions including strengthened policy enforcement, community sensitization, psychosocial support, and empowerment programs for victims. The study recommends that government agencies should enforce stricter laws against domestic violence, ensuring that abusers are held accountable. Community education should focus on changing societal attitudes that normalize domestic violence. More shelters, counseling centers, and financial aid programs should be established for victims. Government and NGOs should establish more accessible psychological support centers for victims

Crime remains a universal socio-political reality shaped by societal norms, moral values, and legal frameworks. Scholarly perspectives commonly emphasize crime as human conduct deemed harmful to the public and subject to state sanctions. Historically, criminality in Nigeria evolved from individual and group offences in pre-colonial societies to complex contemporary crimes driven by political, economic, and social dynamics. In recent decades, kidnapping has emerged as one of the most pervasive criminal activities, escalating nationwide despite technological advances and state interventions. Edo State, particularly Edo North Senatorial District, has witnessed a disturbing rise in kidnapping, resulting in insecurity, economic losses, and increased psychological distress. Despite government measures, including demolition of criminal hideouts and intensified policing, the menace persists. This study investigates the drivers of kidnapping, the effectiveness of existing counter-measures, and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies, with a view to informing evidence-based policy responses. Current literature were reviewed. Routine Activity Theory (RAT) and Social Disorganization Theory (SDT). This study adopts a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to investigate the surge in kidnapping in Edo North Senatorial District. A sample of 513 law enforcement and vigilante personnel was selected through multistage sampling. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires and interview schedules, with analysis involving descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis to examine causes, challenges, and potential solutions. Findings show that poverty, unemployment, and economic deprivation significantly contribute to youth involvement in kidnapping, while weak governance, corruption, and inadequate law enforcement capacity further enable criminal activities. Public perceptions of government strategies indicate mixed effectiveness, with respondents emphasizing the need for intelligence- driven policing, i proved operational capacity, and stronger community engagement. Structural constraints (including limited resources, inadequate logistics, and low personnel motivation) undermine the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies. Despite the presence of community-based initiatives such as vigilante groups and neighbourhood watch systems, their impact is constrained by poor coordination and communication gaps. The study concludes that reducing kidnapping requires an integrated, multi-sectoral approach combining robust policing, technological enhancement, strengthened institutional accountability, community collaboration, and socio- economic empowerment. Key recommendations include equipping security agencies, fostering community–police dialogue, expanding youth empowerment programs, enforcing anti-corruption measures, and improving police infrastructure for timely response and sustainable security

This study examined the socio-cultural factors influencing traditional festivals in Benin City, with particular emphasis on the Igue Festival. The Igue Festival, one of the most significant cultural heritages of the Benin people, embodies the spiritual, social, and cultural identity of the community. However, modernization, urbanization, and changing value systems have introduced new dynamics that influence the perception, practice, and sustainability of the festival. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 100 respondents through structured questionnaires. The study focused on four key objectives: to identify the socio-cultural importance of the Igue Festival; to assess how modernization and social change affect its practice; to examine the perception of different social groups towards the festival; and to explore strategies for preserving its relevance in contemporary society. Findings revealed that while the Igue Festival continues to play a vital role in cultural identity, unity, and spiritual renewal, factors such as Western influence, religious conversion, generational differences, and economic challenges have affected its observance. The study concludes that deliberate efforts are needed to balance cultural preservation with modern realities. It recommends sensitization programs, integration of cultural education into school curricula, and stronger community involvement to ensure the sustainability of the Igue Festival for future generations.

This study examines the negative impact of social media usage on the mental health of students at the University of Benin. The research was driven by the growing integration of social media into students’ daily lives and the potential psychological risks associated with excessive use. It aims to explore how patterns of social media engagement af ect students’ mental well-being, self-esteem, and body image, as well as to identify protective factors that can help mitigate these negative impacts. The study recognizes that while social media serves as a tool forcommunication, learning, and self-expression, it also exposes students to issues such as anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and social comparison, which can contribute to poor mental healthoutcomes. Existing literature reveals a complex relationship between social media and mental health, showing that prolonged exposure to curated online content can distort perceptions of reality, increase stress, and promote addictive behaviors. The research draws on the Cultivation Theory, which explains how continuous engagement with media shapes individuals’ understanding of the world. In this context, students who spend excessive time on social media are more likely to internalize unrealistic standards and negative social comparisons, af ecting their psychological well-being. The study also highlights how digital habits, such as late-night browsing and excessive screen time, can disrupt sleep patterns and overall mental stability. An explanatory research design was adopted to analyze the relationship between social media usage and students’ mental health. A sample of 150 University of Benin students was selected using Yamane’s formula, and data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies. percentages and bar charts were employed for analysis. The findings suggest that the current usage of social media platforms has accounted for mental
health issues, ranging from the increased time spent on the different social media platforms daily, creating an unsterilized mental health for these students. In conclusion the findings revealed that the sample size has experienced one mental health issue to another from using social media. The findings provided recommendations to check and regulate the negative impacts of social media, time limits, social media detox, engagement in of line activities and actively choosing who to follow.

Drug misuse is a worldwide epidemic, particularly among young people. A growing number of Nigerian youth are becoming addicted to drugs at the same time as their country is moving from being a drug-using to a drug-producing nation. This study used a Descriptive quantitative design from Nigeria - National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2016-2017. Data were analysed using univariate analysis in form of frequency distribution and multivariate analysis using ordered logistic regression model. The result shows highest substance misuse among youths was Cannabis whereby 91.4% commonly use it, followed by those abusing painkiller (83.26%) and alcohol (78.4%). The results of the ordered logistics regression analysis shows that there is significant relationship between type of occupancy rent, where youth seek medical attention, access to health care facility in the past 12 months, drug counselling centre and substance abuse among youth in Nigeria at p-value less-than0.05significant level. Drug usage has a variety of negative effects on society, including crime, injury, marital instability, and societal violence; nevertheless, this study found that female participants were more likely to use cannabis, alcohol, and painkillers. Drug abuse risk factors identified in this analysis include youths' access to health care facilities within the previous 12 months and drug counselling centres like private hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and other government hospitals; youths' type of occupancy rent; and youths' locations of drug treatment providers, such as pharmacies and patent medicine vendors. The study ascertained the needs for government to set up rehabilitation counselling centres and hospitals where they do not already exist, and to strengthen their capabilities in such locations. make concerted efforts to train professional health care practitioners or counsellors who would manage drug abuse situations, and it should also encourage the construction of private specialist centres. Further findings should investigate the role that government hospitals like federal, state, and municipal levels play in the waron drug.

Following the global financial collapse more than a decade ago, of both public and commercial
sectors implemented external and internal changes to make certain that it did not happen again. It
is unclear whether these measures were successful. Nevertheless, there were some commonmessages with regard to socio-cultural factors that many companies integrated into their ethicsand compliance programs in light of the 2008 collapse (Sandford &Darcy, 2018). Organisational values, a set of defined ideals, stresses the organization's dedicationtocompliance with laws and regulations honesty, and corporate ethics, among other things. Toincrease performance, all businesses require efficient administration and the use of all availableresources. Globalization and the ongoing social, political and economic upheaval requirethecorporate sector to experiment by searching for innovation in the organization andworkmanagement, with the objective of attaining greater productivity, profitability and improvingcompetitiveness (Jurado-Caraballo & Rodríguez-Fernande, 2021)

This study examined the Cyberbullying And Mental Health Among Students In University Of Benin. A total of 140 respondents participated in the study, providing insights into their perception on cyber bullying and mental health, and the relationship between the two. This study employed a descriptive survey research design, The data for this study was collected by using the questionnaires, The findings indicate that The mental health impact of cyberbullying was also significant, with anxiety being the most common psychological consequence, followed by depression and stress. Many students also reported low self-esteemand a sense of social isolation. These findings underscore the severe consequences of cyberbullying, affecting students’ mental well being and overall academic performance. The study concluded that The low awareness of available support systems, along with their perceived ineffectiveness, highlights a gap in addressing the needs of students who are victims of cyberbullying

This study investigates the relationship between oil revenue and developmental challenges in Warri's riverine communities. A one-time face-to-face survey administration of a semi-structured questionnaire, comprising both closed and open-ended questions, was employed to collect data from 200 respondents. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, with descriptive and statistical analysis emphasizing frequency and percentage tables, as well as interpretive analysis of open-ended responses. Key findings reveal significant developmental challenges, including environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure (e.g., poor roads, healthcare), high poverty levels, and limited benefits from oil-related employment. The study recommends active community involvement in oil revenue distribution, education and training for oil-related employment, and inclusive decision-making processes to address these challenges and promote sustainable development.

This study examined the socio-teaching property of decided breach visit Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State. The study chosen the survey design advancing questionnaires as gadget of file. The study chosen allocation enumerations and mean test to resolve the file calm from field survey. The results presented that low case stop money in Oredo Local Government Area stretch to play a awake act in advocating friendly merger, organization completeness, and instructional guardianship. These native practices advance respect for typical expert and speed intergenerational catch, through embellishing the socio-teaching fabric of people as political whole. While visualized as direct in lowering approximate and undisturbed crimes unambiguously in country tradition their overall impact islimited by challenges somewhat capital restraints, legal dif erences, andtroublesin harmonizing settled approaches following new constables wholes. The verdictsstress the continuing consistency of usual machines but still climaxtheindispensable need for fortification and correct to embellish their influence and sustainability inside current government institutions. In conclusion, the verdicts claim that settled breach stop method in Oredo LGA wait having to do with the a fluence of humanity appropriate and rationally encouraging, definitely in boosting joint fullness, respect for decided expert, and intergenerational date. While their influence is habitual particularly in country fields and intimate conflicts their more exhaustive worth is restricted by support shortages and permissible incompatibilities. This underlines the need for process fixes, corrected ability categorization, and detracting exertions to competition decided and new wholes cause counterfeit a more holistic and productive approach to organizational freedom. The study rushed that presidencies and appropriate husbands persist longer processes that in an of icial type acknowledge and touch settledbreak stop processes into the more sufficient criminal legitimacy arrangement, guaranteeing completeness 'tween typical masters and new constables. Adequate capital and arrangement support sustain be supported to indurate illustrative example stop drives, permissive aristocracy to conduct in a greater class and sustainably. Efforts recognize chance should hold more young result energetically in typical meanness stop practices to guarantee progress and address a few developing outlooks. Public management campaigns can help raise information about the benefits and difficulties of conventional forms, numberingequalized association partnership and support. Ongoing research and trial resume be transported to judge the influence of linked ferocity stop conduct and to understand resulting challenges or best practices.