SOCIAL SUPPORT

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 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.

Background: Exercise, while generally beneficial, can become compulsive and addictive, negatively impacting an athlete’s physical and psychological health. Understanding the prevalence of this condition and its relationship with key well-being indicators is crucial for identifying at-risk individuals and developing effective intervention strategies among athletic populations. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of exercise addiction among amateur athletes and examine the association between exercise addiction, psychological well-being (specifically depression, anxiety, and stress), and perceived social support within this population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study utilizing a consecutive sampling technique to recruit a sample of amateur athletes from the University of Benin. Data were collected using three standardized self-report instruments: the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ). Descriptive statistics were used to determine prevalence, while inferential statistics, such as correlation analysis, were employed to explore the association between the variables. Results: The study identified a quantifiable prevalence of exercise addiction among the amateur athletes. Significant associations were found, indicating that increased levels of exercise addiction were positively correlated with higher levels of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress). Conversely, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between exercise addiction and the level of perceived social support. Conclusion: Exercise addiction is a significant issue among amateur athletes at the University of Benin and is strongly associated with poor psychological well-being and reduced social support. These findings highlight the need for screening for exercise addiction in sports settings and incorporating psychological support and social network strategies into athlete welfare programs to mitigate the associated risks.