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IntroductionMethodFindingsConclusionEvery child deserves the right to life. In Nigeria like other African countries, a high burden of child mortality prevails. Attaining a low-mortality rate of children entails that mothers who are the primary caregivers are in the best position to provide quality healthcare management.With the phenomenological approach in qualitative research, the researchers sourced data using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDI) from 38 mothers of various categories. The participants were purposively selected from four government and mission health institutions in a semi-urban Nsukka town, Enugu State. Data were analyzed thematically.Results revealed that mothers utilize health institutions including government, mission, private, pharmacies and patent medicine vendors when seeking healthcare for their children. Their inability to recognize potential life-threatening conditions is the leading factor in increasing child mortality. Findings show that because participants were concerned about financial challenges; they were ready to adopt traditional medicine as an alternative to modern medicine. The study showed evidence of unsafe strategies mothers adopt for the health management of their under-five children with common illnesses. Participants indicated little knowledge of social workers’ engagement in health institutions.Healthy living is essential in the protection from illnesses. Since under-five children are vulnerable to illnesses, their mothers should provide them with quality healthcare management. The study recommends that social workers’ engagement with health providers and users in semi-urban societies could help propagate healthcare awareness and strategies in mothers’ choice of health management for under-five children in Nigeria. Overall, adequate health policy consideration should be given to all under-five children in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstetric fistula is a chronic health condition that leaves affected women battered and traumatized, thereby exposing them to social recluse life as a result of associated discomfort and odor. Support services to those with challenging health conditions are reputed to help cushion the adverse effects on them; thus women with fistula and other chronic diseases receiving adequate support will help them to cope and recuperate from such illnesses. This study explores the factors limiting and boosting access to support services for those with obstetric fistulainNigeria. Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews were employed to obtain data from 44 participants. The thematic data analysis method was deployed in analyzing the data collected. Factors like the limited number of fistula specialist doctors, poor funding, withdrawal from seeking help, long distance, and discrimination limit patients' access to support services and adequate fistula care. The study highlighted that community involvement in fistula care, adequate funding, training, and retraining of professionals will boost support services for fistula patients. The study recommends the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of obstetric fistula patients including the involvement of not only medical personnel but also social workers, families, groups, and community leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives The population of older individuals in Africa is increasing, and at a rapid rate. Although the numbers of these individuals increase, many African countries, including Nigeria, are devoid of state-sponsored welfare systems that address their well-being. This situation has placed the bulk of support on the family members including spouses. Studies have shown that spouses are considered to be veritable sources of support in later life. However, spousal death tends to reduce the perceived support including emotional support, which usually occasions lower well-being, life dissatisfaction, and higher mortality rates. This study ascertains the impact of spirituality/religious participation on the emotional well-being of widowed older adults. Research Design and Methods The study was conducted in Enugu State, southeast Nigeria. The study implemented a qualitative approach to collect data from 71 widowed older adults, aged 60 and older. The thematic analytical method was used to analyze the generated data. Results Participating in spiritual/religious activities like prayers, church programs/activities reading, studying, and meditating on the word of God have enabled the widowed older adults to buffer some of the emotional challenges. Discussion and Implications Older adults should be encouraged to participate in spiritual and religious activities. Religious leaders should also make every effort to organize activities that will address the emotional needs of these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like most low-and-middle-income countries, Nigeria has been finding it difficult to meet the basic needs of her populace including their health needs. Nigerians are dying of preventable diseases because of poverty and the lack of a functional healthcare system. As a result, the Nigerian government introduced the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to cater to the health needs of its population. This study assessed the knowledge, accessibility and utilization of the NHIS among registered employees of federal government institutions in Ebonyi state. The study used Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) to collect data from 43 participants. The collected data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that most of the participants have accessed and utilized the scheme and saw it as a good healthcare system. They also reported a lack of most of the prescribed drugs and inadequate personnel at the NHIS clinics which is impacting the effectiveness of the scheme. The paper recommends that NHIS should create more awareness about the scheme, and cover more dependents, drugs, tests, and treatment bills to make it more effective in healthcare delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstetric fistula is a chronic health condition that leaves affected women medically, socially, physically, and psychologically battered and traumatized. Those with the health condition live their lives as a social recluse because of the unpleasant smell the disease produces in them thereby making people avoid them. Adequate social support to those affected by the disease from all quarters has helped in the management and prevention of the health condition. This study, therefore, aims at exploring and connecting the link between social work and social support in the management of obstetric fistula in Nigeria and the reintegration of survivors into the society. The study adopted a qualitative approach using interviews and focus group discussions to collect data from 51 participants, and the data were thematically analyzed. The results of the study highlighted the potential roles of social workers in enhancing social support for the management and reintegration of victims of obstetric fistula in Nigeria. The findings also revealed challenges confronting social workers in enhancing social support in fistula victims. Findings from the study have implication for policy development, hence, the full involvement and expansion of the coverage of social workers in maternal and public health is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstetric fistula is a maternal health injury and disease affecting women in low-income resource countries of Africa including Nigeria. While there has been significant improvement in making treatment more accessible, the long-term needs of victims for social, emotional, psychological, and economic support after Obstetric fistula repairs have received little attention. In this study, we explored the social support networks of fistula survivors in South East Nigeria, in understanding how to strengthen their reintegration experiences. Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, we extracted information from 56 participants comprising 34 fistula survivors/outpatients, 10 inpatients, and 12 caregivers at a National Obstetric Fistula Referral Facility in Southeast Nigeria. The generated data were analyzed thematically. Participants reported that support from families, church, and the government were drivers for their rehabilitation and reintegration; and social support was an important source of strength and hope in the health-seeking pathways of the women. Social support policy shift as well as community health promotion and grassroots awareness creation will help to accelerate the reintegration of women with OF into their communities after rehabilitation. Such policies will help strengthen Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and stimulate radical multidisciplinary interventions for the proper integration of fistula patients in Nigeria. To achieve the recommendations, there is a need for social work professional collaborations, hence, the study has practice implications for the social work service delivery in the Nigerian healthcare system. Future research may consider using a quantitative research design to have a general view of the respondents on strengthening social support networks on rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of obstetric fistula, this will create more room for better service provision, and also an advancement in social service research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social work education in Africa is faced with a myriad of challenges that require immediate attention for a sustainable future. If the principles of social justice, human rights and respect for diversities are central to the social work profession, then the education and practice of social work in Nigeria should be culturally relevant in engaging people and structures to address challenges. Participants for the study included four social work educators, 10 social work students and four social work practitioners. Findings from the research suggest the need for a paradigm shift from Western pedagogy to a more inclusive Nigerian pedagogy for a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing phenomenon of street children aiding visually challenged beggars and the risk factors involved in such activity is of much concern to social workers in Nigeria. With low investment in social protection for vulnerable children, a large number of children are constantly involved in income‐generating activities on the street. This study through in‐depth interviews explored the experiences of children who aid visually challenged beggars in a semi‐urban city in Nigeria. Findings based on lived experiences are thematically discussed in this study. Well‐coordinated social protection measures can keep vulnerable children off the street and within the safety net of their family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor health conditions such as diarrhoea are often associated with low- and middle-income countries. Diarrhoea in Nigeria contributes to an estimated 151,700 (16%) annual infant deaths, with a prevalence of 10–18 percent. With the high rate of diarrhoea-related infant mortality, it becomes important to investigate the barriers to its prevention. Data were sourced using five Focus Group Discussions involving 18 health workers and 30 nursing mothers. Findings show high prevalence of diarrhoea and identified ignorance, cultural/religious beliefs, and lack of funds as major barriers to its prevention. To address these problems, engaging social workers as welfare professionals is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria still records high fertility despite launching programs to reduce fertility rate. We therefore surveyed the influence of socio-economic status of women on their fertility outcome in Benue State, North-Central, Nigeria. Data from 1049 childbearing women were collected using questionnaires. The data were analyzed using logistic regression and chi-square statistics. Significant relationship exists between education, income, occupation, age, marital status and fertility outcome at p <.05. To achieve global health development and be amongst the best performers in global quality of life measures, women's empowerment programs are encouraged to enhance their autonomy in decision making with reference to reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments are obliged to ensure the healthy living, well-being, and life satisfaction of every citizen. This, however, has not been achieved in Nigeria, especially with regard to older adults. Despite the notable shift in the country’s demographic stance, few studies have investigated the government’s roles in addressing the support to Nigerian older adults given that inadequate support is a risk factor for general poor health conditions and high mortality rates. This study, therefore, sought to investigate views on available government support to older adults in Nnewi, South-East Nigeria. Focus Group Discussion and In-depth interviews were adopted to collect data from older adults. The generated data were subjected to a thematic method of analysis. Findings show that Nigerian older adults are usually remembered during political activities, such as electioneering and election. However, the support is not all-inclusive but reserved for those who could actively participate in these political activities. To achieve the African Union and the 2030 global agenda’s commitment to “leave no one behind,” the study recommends social policies that address all-inclusive support and care for Nigeria older adults. Social workers’ intervention will also be crucial to facilitate the formulation and implementation of welfare policies and programmes for the support and well-being of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different behavioral shifts have been observed among the country's population against the COVID-19 pandemic since its emergence in February 2020 in Nigeria. At first, people were scared of the pandemic and this was reinforced by their response to the National Center for Disease Control measures. As days go by and with the increasing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria. To reduce the high burden of the pandemic, efforts were made by scientists to produce the COVID-19 vaccine, and Nigeria received about 4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine in 2021. Thus, it becomes important to investigate the attitude of Nigerians toward COVID-19 and vaccination against COVID-19. To conduct this study, data were sourced using six focus group discussions involving 30 males and females, respectively. Findings revealed that Nigerians have lackadaisical attitude toward COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccine owing to insincerity on the part of the government, poverty, belief system, low-level of awareness among others. To change the negative attitude of Nigerians toward COVID-19 and the vaccine, social worker interventions are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria is home to the highest number of older adults in Africa. The country will continue to experience an upward trend in the size of this sub-population, yet there are limited government measures to address their well-being. Studies have shown that families and communities are predominant sources of support in caregiving for older adults in Nigeria. However, there seems to be a few studies that ascertain the extent to which these support systems provide support to older adults, especially in the South-East Nigeria. This study, therefore, will attempt to fill this significant gap because access to justice, a high standard of living, quality of life, and well-being of all citizens including older adults constitute a crucial point in the African Union and the 2030 global agenda. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to collect data from older adults and their caregivers (N = 40). The data were analysed thematically. Most of the support in caregiving for older adults is filial with minimal support from community members. Thus, we advocate for welfare policies that will augment the filial efforts in supporting older adults. Social workers also should facilitate the implementation of the policies and equally help to strengthen supportive relationships among community members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyslexia is a lifelong disability that affects learning and social interaction in people of all ages, genders, and races all over the world. Yet, little is known about this condition in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to investigate primary caregivers' knowledge of dyslexia, their awareness of problems, and their support for elementary school children in Owerri Municipal, Nigeria. A qualitative descriptive design was utilized in this investigation, and 18 participants were invited to a single in-depth semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was utilized in analyzing the data. Three themes and nine sub-themes emerged from the study. The result shows that participants lacked adequate knowledge of dyslexia, were aware of the effects of the condition and had adopted a variety of management and coping strategies. Participants' support for children with dyslexia was found to be inadequate. The findings of this study have the potential to influence special education policy and programs in Nigeria, especially in the aspects of promoting social inclusion and the protection of the rights of students with special needs. The study recommends relooking at the National policy for special needs education in Nigeria to establish a more equitable and inclusive educational system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Old-age loneliness is a crucial public health issue with mortality consequences as well as other negative health conditions and lifestyles including depression, substance abuse, sedentary lifestyles, and suicide ideation. This study investigated the predictors of loneliness among older adults in Nigeria’s southeast in order to articulate some interventions that will plummet the issue. A structured questionnaire (N = 516), in-depth interviews (N = 8), and focus group discussion (N = 16) were used to collect data from respondents aged 60 years or older. The quantitative data sets were subjected to chi-square and binary regression analysis, while a thematic analysis was adopted for the qualitative data. The study’s findings show that some demographic factors such as the number of children (p < .002), health status (p < .023), and social support (p < .014), among others, were statistically significant in predicting loneliness among older adults. The study, therefore, recommends the consideration of community-based services to enable elderly adults to buffer the experience of loneliness. Social workers should also influence the various organs responsible for social policies to formulate and promote policies that address the well-being of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Old age usually comes with frailty and withdrawal resulting to dependence on various support systems for assistance. However, studies have shown that social support available for older adults from these support systems especially in south-east Nigeria is inadequate. This study therefore depicts some cultural activities as a form of social support system for older adults. Data and methods: Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 older adults and their caregivers. Thematic analytic approach was adopted to analyse the data. Findings: Some of the prevailing cultural activities including village meetings, marriage ceremonies, child naming or dedications, funerals, postpartum care serve as veritable means of support to older adults. Conclusion: This study therefore suggests that older adults should be encouraged to participate in some of these activities in order to ensure satisfactory support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study sought complex, comprehensive understanding and insight on challenges of care-giving to older adults by using qualitative approach. Forty care-givers aged 23 and above living in Nnewi, south-east Nigeria participated in the study. Focus Group Discussion was used to collect data from the participants. The collected data were analysed in themes and the results revealed that family care-givers undergo stress, lack of finance, insufficient time for themselves and negative attitudes of older adults towards them. Social work professionals are required to teach family care-givers essential social skills in providing care and support for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Practice of open defection has growing health concerns especially on rural dwellers and is among leading causes of diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera, stunting and responsible for the death of children under 5 years in Nigeria. This study seeks to examine knowledge of public health challenges of open defecation among rural residents in south-east Nigeria and implications for social work. Data source and methods: Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used for data collected from 52 respondents in Nsukka and Udenu LGAs of Enugu State. Thematic analysis was adopted and phrases with contextual connotations were pulled as illustrative quotes. Results: Lack of toilet facilities makes community members engage in the practice despite knowledge of its public health implications. Conclusions: The study recommends strengthening of government’s efforts to eradicate the practice; incorporating social workers as facilitators in public health regulations and advocacy in sensitising households to provide their own toilets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In spite huge leaps in combating the spread and transmission of HIV globally, Nigeria still ranks high in the incidence of HIV among children. The study investigates the factors affecting the utilization of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services in Anambra South. Data source and Method: Data from 515 HIV positive women of child bearing age were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data sets were subjected to chi square and binary logistic regression analysis. Result: The results show that 86% of the respondents were aware of the PMTCT strategies while marital status (69.8%), age (70.7%) and place of residence (52.1%) were found to affect the uptake and utilization of PMTCT services. Conclusion: Evidence from the study drew attention to the need for government, social workers and healthcare providers to rise to their responsibilities in encouraging HIV women of reproductive age to utilize PMTCT services in order to achieve African Union Agenda 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substance abuse has ravaged potentials and keeps clamping down on the stability of societies. It is increasingly becoming a social problem that demands sustainable remedies, particularly in Nigeria's Niger Delta. This paper establishes a case for the utilisation of an ecological health model in dealing with harmful alcohol use in the region. What motivates the adoption of such a model is the fact that harmful alcohol use largely stems from nurture and can be remedied through same nurture. This paper adopted a case study research design using participant observation for data gathering, while using thematic analysis in organising and interpreting data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite increase in the number of older adults in Nigeria, and the health, social and economic implications that accompany this reality due to burden of care on families, little is known about the role of church-based organisations in the provision of support and care to older adults in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to explore the place of the church in the support and care of older adults. Data Source and Method: Sample size of (n = 40) participants were recruited for the study. Focus Group Discussion and In-depth Interview were employed for data collection. Results: The findings revealed that church-based organisations were a significant source of support for older adults; however, some of the support provided by church-based organisations was exclusively at the reach of older adults who are members of a particular church network. Conclusion: The paper therefore recommends for an all-inclusive support and care for older adults by church-based organisations in the society, irrespective of the one's religious denomination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The population of older individuals in Africa is increasing, and at a rapid rate. Although the numbers of these individuals increase, many African countries, including Nigeria, are devoid of state-sponsored welfare systems that address their well-being. This situation has placed the bulk of support on the family members including spouses. Studies have shown that spouses are considered to be veritable sources of support in later life. However, spousal death tends to reduce the perceived support including emotional support, which usually occasions lower well-being, life dissatisfaction, and higher mortality rates. This study ascertains the impact of spirituality/religious participation on the emotional well-being of widowed older adults., Research Design and Methods: The study was conducted in Enugu State, southeast Nigeria. The study implemented a qualitative approach to collect data from 71 widowed older adults, aged 60 and older. The thematic analytical method was used to analyze the generated data., Results: Participating in spiritual/religious activities like prayers, church programs/activities reading, studying, and meditating on the word of God have enabled the widowed older adults to buffer some of the emotional challenges., Discussion and Implications: Older adults should be encouraged to participate in spiritual and religious activities. Religious leaders should also make every effort to organize activities that will address the emotional needs of these individuals., Competing Interests: None., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America.)

Objective: We examined the perception and practice of cervical cancer screening among women in Enugu State, Nigeria., Methods: We employed mixed methods and conveniently sampled women aged >15 years. The quantitative data were subjected to chi-square and regression analysis while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis., Results: The study findings show that over 57% of the respondents have a positive perception of cervical cancer screening while over 80% revealed that they practice cervical cancer screening. Factors such as education, income, and residence are significant in predicting the practice of cervical cancer screening., Conclusion: Therefore, social work strategies to leverage these modifiable predictors in facilitating cervical screening uptake are recommended.