O.J. EGHAREVBA

This study examined social work interventions in managing mental health among
students in public secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Guided by a descriptive survey research design, the study sought to
systematically describe the characteristics and patterns of mental health challenges
experienced by students as well as the effectiveness of social work interventions in
addressing them. The descriptive design enabled the researcher to collect relevant
information from a representative sample, providing an accurate reflection of the target population without attempting to establish causality. Egor LGA, an urban and semi- urban district within Benin City, served as the geographical focus due to its cultural
diversity, population density, and the presence of several notable educational and social institutions that influence youth development. The population of the study comprised students enrolled in public secondary schools in the area. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 400 students was selected from an estimated population of 574,406 persons. The study adopted a semi-structured questionnaire divided into two sections: demographic information and items directly aligned with the research questions. A four- point Likert scale facilitated the collection of quantifiable data regarding students’ perceptions of mental health challenges and the role of social work interventions. To ensure the accuracy and credibility of the instrument, expert validation was conducted, while reliability was established through the test-retest method. Data collection was
carried out personally by the researcher to ensure clarity and confidentiality. Ethical considerations such as informed consent and voluntary participation were strictly observed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools including tables, percentages, and graphical representations. Findings from the study provided meaningful insights into the current state of social work responses to mental health concerns within public schools in Egor LGA, contributing valuable knowledge to stakeholders seeking to strengthen mental health support systems in educational settings.

This study investigates the prevalence and nature of elder abuse in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, and evaluates the effectiveness of social work intervention strategies. It explores the socio-economic, health, and cultural challenges faced by older adults, including financial insecurity, inadequate healthcare access, and social isolation. The erosion of traditional family support systems due to urbanization and migration has left many elderly individuals vulnerable to neglect and mistreatment, highlighting the urgent need for formal care structures and culturally sensitive interventions. Using a quantitative research approach, 280 questionnaires were distributed, with 266 valid responses analyzed through descriptive statistics using SPSS. The findings reveal that psychological abuse is the most prevalent form of elder mistreatment, and that cultural values significantly influence caregiving practices. While informal care remains central, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating cultural understanding into social work practice to enhance the quality of care and support for older adults. The study concludes that effective social work interventions such as advocacy, counseling, caregiver training, and community sensitization are essential to improving the well-being of older adults. It recommends collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to develop sustainable elder care systems. These insights contribute to policy development, professional training, and future research aimed at safeguarding the dignity and rights of Nigeria’s aging population.