ROLES

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.

This study aimed at assessing the role of CBOs in the development of rural communities in Akure-South Local Government, Ondo State. To enable the study to achieve its objectives, five (5) research questions were raised. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of this study comprised of all the people living in all communities under Akure-South Local Government, Ondo State from which a total of two hundred (200) are selected to form the sample size for the study. A questionnaire titled “Questionnaire on the role of CBOs in the development of rural communities in Akure-South Local Government, Ondo State was the instrument used for data collection. The validity of the instrument was ascertained through the expert judgment approach while the test re-test method of estimating reliability was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. A reliability index of 0.87 was obtained using Person Product Moment Correlation Statistics. Collected data were analyzed using frequency count, simple percentage, and mean score standard. Findings from the data among others revealed that the various types of Community Based Organization in the area are Micro-finance institutions (MFIs), Village development committees (VDCs), Common interest groups (CIGs), Networks of CBOs, Landlord Association, Women Association, Youth Association, Farmers Organization and Trade union. Also, the Community Based Organization’s activities in the communities under study are only carried out on Weekly, Monthly and Yearly bases. The roles of Community Based Organization in the area under study are to Finance Projects, Liaison with Government, Promoting mutual understanding, Raising fund for project execution, planning of programmes, Economic empowerment, Cooperation with other organizations, protect the image of the community, trade union, support Security for Community and government projects, and harmonize and ensure unity among rural dwellers for effective Agricultural and rural growth. It was recommended that formal and specific organized steps should be taken by the government to develop the rural areas to curb the problem of rural underdevelopment.