Incarcerated individuals and education programmes in Nigeria: A task for social workers.

Much is not known about education programmes for Nigerian incarcerated individuals. Consequently, different correctional institutions worldwide have different forms of correctional education offered to incarcerated individuals. Nigerian incarcerated individuals perceive that there are implementations of education programmes offered to them. However, little or nothing is known about how incarcerated individuals perceive these education programmes. To this end, this study ascertains the incarcerated individuals' perception of education programmes as well as the expectations of social work profession in ensuring that incarcerated individuals in correctional institutions are provided with quality education. In-depth interviews involving 20 convicted incarcerated individuals from Owerri correctional centre were conducted. Thematic analysis was used in analyzing data generated for the study. Findings show that education programmes are available and essential, but the quality of the programme does not go down well with the incarcerated individuals. It also revealed that incarcerated individuals were not allowed to decide on the type of education programme to be involved in. To this end, their participation in the programme is jeopardized. The findings further revealed that little or nothing is known about social workers in prison education. Therefore, the inclusion of correctional social workers as an integral part of education programmes that aim to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate incarcerated individuals becomes necessary.

Aging in rural Nigeria: gendered exclusion of rural older adults and its impact on their perceived life satisfaction in South-East Nigeria.

Globally, there is an immense increase in the number of older adults. This can be attributed to an increase in life expectancy brought about by advances in general living standards as well as medicine and healthcare. However, exclusion which is linked to discrimination and access restrictions in areas such as education, employment, housing, and medical care has been identified as one of the challenges facing this increasing demographic. This study explored the exclusion of older rural women in southeast Nigeria and its impact on their life satisfaction. The study used a qualitative method of research to obtain data from a sample of 32 older adults aged 65 years and above through focus group discussions in Nru community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. The obtained data were thematically analyzed and the findings showed that many older rural women in the study area are socially excluded at home, churches, and the larger society, with poverty and stereotyping of older rural women as less intelligent identified as the leading factor predisposing them to social exclusion in Nigeria. Results also showed that social exclusion brings about sadness and depression which have severe negative implications on their life satisfaction. Finally, implications of the findings for gerontological social workers through advocacy geared toward changes in social policy and structures that promote ageism were discussed.

"They will only remember us during elections": The culture of government support to Nigerian older adults and policy implications.

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.

Gender differences in family support to older adults and implications for social work in south-east Nigeria.

The increase in the number of older adults in Nigeria is a significant demographic trend, requiring adequate and sustainable attention. Usually, these older adults depend on family members for support due to increasing frailty and/or disengagement from the civil service or other income-earning pursuits. Studies that depict differences in gender vis a vis access to social support from family networks are limited. This study will attempt to contribute to filling this gap. Four focus group discussions and 16 in-depth interviews were conducted on a sample of (N = 56) older adults aged 70 years and above and their 23 to 46 year old family carers. The generated data were analysed in themes. Findings revealed no differences in access to health support by gender; however, females received more financial, emotional as well as material support, and were more involved in social activities than their male counterparts. This study will facilitate a better understanding of gender differences in social support for older adults in Nigeria. This could, in turn, inform inclusive social policies guided by social workers which have greater focus on the needs of older adults.

Challenges with Institutional Support Services for Undergraduate Students with Visual Impairment in University of Nigeria Nsukka.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to discover available institutional support services for undergraduate students with visual impairment within the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The study also examined challenges with institutional support services and the urgent need for sustainable social work services for undergraduate students with visual impairment. METHOD: The study reports the result of a qualitative study using focus group discussion with 17 undergraduate students with visual impairment. RESULT: Findings revealed discontent by the majority of study participants over institutional support services. Social work services were reported by study participants as invisible. DISCUSSION: Based on the findings of our study, there is a need to develop sustainable social work services and also engage relevant stakeholders to improve on available support services for undergraduate students with visual impairment.

Coping strategies of families of persons with learning disability in Imo state of Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Coping with a relative with a learning disability could be a stressful experience for family members. The present study is aimed at exploring the coping strategies adopted by families in trying to make meaning of their situation. METHOD: A qualitative study design using focus group discussions (FGDs) was adopted. Ten FGD sessions were held with family members of persons with a learning disability. RESULTS: Findings revealed patterns of family coping to include problem-focused, emotion-focused, and spiritual/religious-focused. Also, coping responses to a learning disability varied based on the level of information available to families about the condition of their relative. In some cases, interspousal relationship was strained due to stress. CONCLUSION: It was recommended that families of persons with a learning disability need social support and professional help from social workers to facilitate the adoption of more positive-oriented coping strategies by family members.

Factors affecting the utilization of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services in Anambra South, Nigeria

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

Knowledge of nutritional and health needs of children among rural residents of Enugu north senatorial zone in Enugu State, Nigeria.

The article assessed knowledge of the nutritional and health needs of children among rural dwellers in Nigeria. Focus group discussions were conducted with all male and female groups in four purposively chosen rural communities in Nsukka Senatorial zone of Enugu State. These generated data on participants' knowledge on the nutritional and health needs of the children as well as their socio-demographic characteristics. All the participants were married with mean age of 41 and 36 years for males and females, respectively. The participants had six and four children on the average for male and female participants, respectively. Findings show that participants demonstrate knowledge of basic dietary needs of children; however, actual practice is lacking. Men believe women have the sole responsibility for children's nutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding is not adhered to by participants. Some reservation still exists about immunization. Sustained health education on exclusive breastfeeding and child immunization targeting both sexes is still needed.

Knowledge of causes of VVF and discrimination suffered by patients in Ebonyi State, Nigeria: a qualitative study.

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is a major public health issue in Nigeria. This study focused on VVF patients seeking treatment. Hospital records were used to sample 30 respondents. Three focus group discussions were conducted and analyzed in themes. Results reveal that most of the respondents did not know what brought about their condition, whereas some felt it was a curse from the gods. Respondents reported discrimination and stigmatization by relatives. Findings suggest the need to have trained social workers working in all fistula centers in the country. They will help in the counseling, rehabilitation, and reintegration of these women.

Living with vesico-vaginal fistula: experiences of women awaiting repairs in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is one of maternal health problems confronting public health workers in Nigeria today. Information on how women suffering from this condition cope is important in that it can inform the design and delivery of programmes and interventions to address the challenges that face victims of VVF. The objective of this study was to highlight how women living with VVF cope with the health problem in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten women awaiting repairs at the National Fistula Centre at Abakaliki in Nigeria. Six of the women have lived with the health problem for more than ten years. Findings show that nearly all the women attributed their health problem to supernatural causes. The women stated that they go through a lot of physical and emotional problems. Some of the ways they have devised of physically coping with the problem include bathing regularly and use of strips of old wrappers as pads. Many of them cope emotionally and financially by attending religious gatherings and having some form of income yielding business. The study recommends the need for repairs to go hand in hand with vocational training so that they will have some income yielding business after repairs.