THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SOCIOLOGY
The Nigerian Journal of Medical Sociology is an annual peer-reviewed academic publication of the Medical Sociology Sub-Group, under the auspices of the Nigerian Anthropological and Sociological Practitioners Association (NASA). The journal is dedicated to advancing knowledge in the interdisciplinary field of medical sociology, focusing on the complex relationships between society, health, illness, and healthcare systems. The journal promotes scholarly dialogue across a range of topics, including but not limited to: health disparities and inequalities, the sociology of mental health, traditional and alternative medicine, healthcare delivery systems, patient-provider interactions, medical ethics, public health interventions, and the impacts of globalization on health. Special emphasis is placed on studies that illuminate the lived experiences of individuals and communities navigating health challenges in Nigeria and the broader African continent.
INTEGRATED THEORETICAL EXPLORATION OF SOCIOCULTURAL DETERMINANTS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS IN AFIKPO, EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA
Substance abuse among youth remains a chronic social challenge in Nigeria, with Afikpo exhibiting rising patterns of alcohol, cannabis, and prescription drug misuse. This work conceptually investigates the socio-cultural variables driving such behaviors, incorporating insights from social learning theory, strain theory, and ecological systems theory. Drawing from these frameworks, it is claimed that familial structures, peer influence, cultural norms, and community-level stresses significantly determine youth vulnerability to substance misuse. The synthesis of existing evidence reveals that socialization processes, normative pressures, and the interplay between individual psychological predispositions and environmental stresses augment the likelihood of engagement in substance addiction. Consequently, the research suggests that effective interventions must target many levels of impact, stressing family-centered education, community participation, and culturally sensitive preventative programs. Policy implications underline the need for local government partnership with community leaders and youth organizations to build structured recreational and mentorship initiatives, alongside evidence-based awareness campaigns. The findings underline the urgency of holistic methods that examine both the micro- and macro-level drivers of substance addiction, establishing a paradigm for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking sustainable solutions in Afikpo and comparable Nigerian communities.
Substance abuse, Youth, Socio-cultural determinants, Afikpo, Integrated theoretical framework
ONUOHA, Ogobuchi Onuoha; OKEREKE, Ogbonnaya Jerry; NGWOKE, Godwin Obinna & CHUKWUEMEKA, Benedict Ikechukwu
CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG IN SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE, NIGERIA
Sexuality is expressed throughout an individual’s whole life, most prominently during adolescent. The reproductive choices made during the period of adolescence produce great effects on an individual’s health, education and, career prospects. It also influences adolescent’s overall transition into adulthood. The major objectives of this study are to determine the level of awareness on contraceptives among adolescent in selected secondary schools in Oredo local government area; as well as to ascertain if contraceptives are commonly used by adolescents in the area. The cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. Quantitative data were collected from 374 respondents which were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages and pie- charts. The result from the study showed that there was a significant difference across gender regarding level of awareness about contraceptives with female adolescents having some edge over their male counterparts. However, contraceptive use among adolescents in the area was very low. This has led to unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions as well as pregnancy- related mortality and mobility. The need to strengthen reproductive health education among in-school adolescents in Oredo local government area of Edo state, Nigeria was recommended.
Sexuality, Adolescent, Reproductive, Contraceptive, Pregnancies
LOW CONTRACEPTIVE USE IN NIGERIA AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR POPULATION GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Contraceptive use is the intentional adoption of any device or act aimed at the prevention of pregnancy. One of its major benefits is giving its users the right to decide when and how many children to have. Global uptake of contraceptives has been on the increase however, is low in sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria in particular. The aim of this study was to examine the implications of the low use of contraceptives in Nigeria, through a critical look into contraception trends, contraceptive methods, factors influencing non-use, and the role of male partners in contraceptive use. The study employed the use of secondary data, majorly drawing facts and statistics from the United Nations Reports on World Contraceptive Use. The study found that although the uptake and use of contraceptives in Nigeria is appreciable, however a lot of challenges are still faced in achieving this objective. The study concluded that preventing unwanted pregnancy and intentionally limiting number of children can curb rapid population growth which is detrimental to the developmental goals of the Nigerian nation.
Contraception, Prevention, Pregnancy, Population growth, Sustainable development
CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND COMMUNITY RESPONSES TO PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG IN LAGOS METROPOLIS, NIGERIA
Air pollutants are released from various sources into the atmosphere. These pollutants cause degradation of crops, forest, aquatic life, structural materials and human health. Air is one of the most basic natural factors of human life, but polluting agents in the air have involved in unique reactions that generates into photochemical smog and appears as an enemy of nature and humans. This ground level pollution causes respiratory problems to children, adults and the elderly. The weather in Nigeria is suitable to form a sustainable photochemical smog, and this has become ‘big problem’ in Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria and is threatening living conditions. Although industrialization and urbanization are markers of productivity, they are also potential causes of increased pollution in Lagos state. The aim of this study is to review the causes, effects and community responses to photochemical smog in Lagos, Nigeria. This paper relied on social environmental theory to find out the recent causes and effects of photochemical smog among rural urban dwellers in Nigeria. Data were collected from published materials over the last three decades to this recent time were utilized for this study. The study revealed that living in smog has become ‘‘normal’’ to most people living in rural-urban areas in Nigeria. The effect of these has caused long term damages to public health in Nigeria. The study recommends relevant lifesaving information to the reach of the public, especially the less privileged and the less informed. Also, there is the need for regular advocacy for clean industrial smoke, and sympathetic policy responses as common measures identified to manage air pollutions in Lagos, Nigeria.
Emissions, photochemical, pollution, smog, Lagos
OGBU Emmanuel OSAYI Kenneth Kelechi & UZOEBO Chiebuka
CROSS – NATIONAL REVIEW ON SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF ACCESS AND UTILIZATION OF ANTENATAL CARE SERVICES AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE: INSIGHTS FOR EDO STATE, NIGERIA
Antenatal care (ANC) is an essential care designed to ensure the best services and health outcomes for women and children. Pregnant women, ideally, should have at least eight contacts with a healthcare provider initiated within less than 12 weeks gestational age. This is in order to gain person-centered care and prevent child and maternal mortality. This paper reviewed the social determinants of access and utilization of ANC services among women of reproductive age across societies in purposively chosen five nation states of India, China, Ghana, Ethopia and Nigeria.The purpose of the review was to draw lessons that will benefit Edo State in South-South Region of Nigeria which has recorded low ANCaccess and utilization, as well as high maternal deaths in recent times. Anchored on Andersen Ronald’s (1968) Behavioral Model of Health Services Use (BMHSU), the review elicited information via secondary sources to serve as lessons and assist maternal and child healthcare providers in Edo State, Nigeria to achieve optimum levels of access and utilization of their service. Specifically, the review revealed that scholars identified elements like place of residence, education, culture, spatial disparity of health facilities among others as relevant to access and utilization of ANC in the five aforementioned countries. The reviewed works recommended improving women’s educational achievement, and introduction of peer education programs to mobilize and support women. They also advocated for programs to change husbands’ attitudes, and to enrich the quality of antenatal care through increasing health extension worker’s home visits program, and increasing the awareness of pregnancy complications. The need for strong advocaccy and education of male partners on the importance of supporting their spouse and payment for facility-based maternal services without undermining their traditional decision-making roles was also strongly stressed. These measures if implemented in Edo State, Nigeria will contribute immensely to meeting the goals of ANC in the state.
Antenatal care, reproductive age, reproductive health, social determinants, maternal and infant mortality
THE PREVALENCE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION/CUTTING (FGM/C) AND MEN’S ROLE IN ITS PRACTICE IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
Studies on the prevalence and practice of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) have focused on women alone while no attention has been paid to men’s roles in the practice. This study therefore investigated the prevalence of FGM/C and men’s role in its practice in South-East Nigeria. The mixed methods research design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaire while the qualitative data were generated through In-depth interview. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 1,067 respondents for the quantitative study while 54 interviews were conducted to generate the qualitative data. The quantitative data were processed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 and was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The QDA Miner software was used to analyse the qualitative data. The stated hypothesis was tested using ANOVA. The findings showed that FGM/C is still practiced in South-East Nigeria even though the extent of its practice is diminishing compared to what it was in the past. The practice has persisted because of men’s financial and moral sponsorship. Men encourage FGM/C-practice because they perceive women with FGM/C as being more sexually appealing than women without FGM/C. It was therefore recommended that FGM/C-eradication efforts should not be gender-biased. Public enlightenment campaigns should also be targeted at the men folk.
Female genital mutilation/cutting, prevalence, men’s role, FGM/C-practice, South-East Nigeria
SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC BARRIERS TO UTILIZATION OF MODERN MATERNAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES (MHCS) AMONG REPRODUCTIVE AGE WOMEN UTILIZING THE SERVICES OF TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS (TBAS) IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA
This study examines socio-demographic barriers to utilization of modern MHCS among 475 reproductive age rural and urban women utilising the services of TBAs for pregnancy-related care and childbirth in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria using a multi-stage sampling technique. The study examined place of antenatal and delivery care among the respondents in the study area; determined the association between socio-demographic barriers to utilization of modern MHCS and knowledge of modern MHCS among the respondents and establish the association between socio-demographic variables and utilization of modern MHCS among the study population. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 25) for descriptive and inferential statistics with level of significant set at <0.05. Findings showed that all respondents in the study utilize the services of the TBAs for ANC; however, some of the urban women (22.7%) and rural women (17.7%) utilize modern MHCS for delivery care. There is no statistical significant association between age at marriage and knowledge of modern MHCS for the urban women (p>0.05), while a statistical significant association exist between age at marriage and knowledge of modern MHCS for the rural women (p<0.05). Socio-demographic barriers to utilization of modern MHCS in the study includes belief in supernatural protection of pregnancy, husband decision, religion, education and income, p<0.05. However, no statistical significant association exist between (age of mothers, marital status and occupation) and utilization of modern MHCS for both categories of respondents (p>0.05). Strategies to encourage utilization of modern MHCS among the respondents in the study area should include adequate information on Modern MHCS, public enlightenment, and partners’/husbands’ involvement in maternal health planning.
Barriers, Maternal Health Care Services (MHCS), Nigeria, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), Utilization
FACTORS INFLUENCING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AMONG MOTHERS OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
The rate of alcohol use and misuse among women in Nigeria is alarming; this is notwithstanding the social and health implications of its abuse. Most studies usually focus on male related issues with regard to drinking. Using Symbolic interactionism paradigm, this paper interrogated factors that influence drinking among mothers of reproductive age and its effects. Data was collected using concurrent mixed method involving quantitative and qualitative tools of questionnaire and in-depth interview guide.. A total of 373 close ended copies of questionnaire were validly filled, processed with SPSS and analyzed with descriptive tools. Also, in depth interview was conducted among 12 mothers purposively selected from different occupational backgrounds. The interview data were thematically analyzed using manual content analysis techniques. It was found that factors such as partner involvement, social acceptance, sexual stimulation, desire to induce sleep constitute social factors that influence consumption of alcohol among mothers of reproductive age. It was also found that women drink alcohol when they are pregnant and after delivery because of the belief that it can wash away blood clot after delivery. It is believed in the area that drinking locally produced gin (kai-kai) can help reduce the size of the baby and aid delivery, while drinking palm wine can help produce breast milk. Other reasons why mothers drink alcohol include to get high, to ward off boredom or idleness, as well as ignorance about the outcome, emotional imbalance and for enjoyment. The research recommended the need to regulate production, marketing and consumption of alcohol across age and gender.
Alcohol, Mothers, Reproductive age, Consumption, Mixed research Introduction
EZEKWE Emmanuel Chika, NWANKWO Ignatius Uche & OSAYI Kelechi Kenneth
ROLES OF THE SOCIOLOGIST IN THE INTERPRETION OF DISEASE OCCURRENCE IN SOCIETY
Decades ago, Sociology of disease was something of a misnomer. The time has come to embrace the sociological discourse on diseases as focus of medical care. This is because non-involvement of sociologists in interpreting diseases may often lead to undertreatment, overtreatment or mistreatment of diseases which which will be harmful to individuals in society. This paper contains an extensive introduction of the nature of disease emergence from social background/causation. Many studies on disease occurrence are derived from pathological, etiological, applied clinical, epidemiological, neurological, and other congenial fields, yet dearth of information exist on the social interpretation of disease, even within stream of sociology of health and illness. This paper is thus an advocacy for sociological interpretation of diseas situations in society which is critical for fuller understanding of the nature of diseases in this contemporary society. The paper has provided some useful information on how social relations indeed influence the occurrence and the distribution of diseases. It strongly stressed that disease causation is not limited to biological factors which has some limitations. Two main sociological perspectives were employed to further explain the arguments on etiology of disease. Finally, the key roles of the sociologist in disease interpretation in society were outlined.
CHILD SUICIDE BOMBER IN THE NORTH EAST NIGERIA: A VICTIM OR PERPETRATOR?
This study examined the perception of people on the influence or effect of Child bomber role on children in the Northeast of Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey design and was guided by two research questions. It used primary data collected through structured questionnaire. The population of the study consists of 4,171,104 out of which 400 respondents were sampled. The data collected was processed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS, 23), and analyzed using descriptive statistics, while Z-test was employed for test of hypotheses. The findings revealed that child bomber assignments has a significant effect on the educational level of children in the Northeast The researchers also found that child bomber role has a significant effect on the socio-psychological behaviour of children in Northeast zone of Nigeria. It was recommended among others that government should further efforts to expose and bring to justice all Boko Haram militants, sponsors and those who are benefiting from the insurgency.
Chilld suicide bomber, Boko haram, insurgency, terrorism, victim
OFODILE Chinweike & NNATU, Stella Obioma
SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS AFFECTING HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOUR ON MENTAL ILLNESS IN NIGERIA
Mental illness as a form of deviant behaviour that has failed to conform to the conventional norms is full of complexities and many uncertainties which therefore is disvalued by society. People suffering from mental illness have a number of ways of seeking for treatment, either from hospital, traditional, or spiritual. They may follow all of the above mentioned steps, or perhaps only one or two of them or may follow them in any order. Against this background, this study examined socio-cultural and economic factors affecting health seeking behaviour on mental illness in Nigeria. The study was a cross – sectional design. A survey of 1200 respondents from two selected south eastern states was used. Finding revealed that cost of treatment, distance to treatment facilities, efficacy of treatment method, attitude of personnel, and access to treatment facility were hindrances / factors affecting health seeking behaviour behaviour on mental illness. Hence, recommendations were made to reduce these constraints.
Mental illness, treatment pathways, socio-cultural factors, health seeking behaviour
OGUAMANAM, Gabriel Onyebuchi & OLI, Nneka Perpetua
DEFORESTATION AND CHALLENGES OF TRADITIONAL HEALTH CARE IN SAPELE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Deforestation which lunched Nigeria into world capitalist system depleted the forest which indigenous people rely on for maintaining health. Although, it is widely perceived that grinding poverty exposed the forest to depletion, careful examination revealed that, the disintegration of traditional beliefs and practices heightened unsustainable utilization of the forest. Consequently, numerous diseases and illnesses increased as (73%) of the people became alienated from their forest and related practices which maintain health. Thus, the study examined the impact of deforestation and challenges of traditional health care in Nigeria. Explanations of variables anchored on environmental health model which analysed the relevance of the forest to human health. A total of 300 participants which include household heads, titled chiefs, forest custodian, traditional medicine practitioners and modern health care personnel’s were co-opted for the study. Questionnaire, in-depth interviews, observation, and key informants were used in generating data. Qualitative data were analysed by verbatim extraction of responses. Quantitative data was analysed with probit regression model with the statistical package for the social sciences. (x=1.51; P<0.05) shows that depletion of forests impact negatively on the people’s health. Depletion forest affected indigenous preventive and curative health care services. Depletion also displaced traditional health practitioners.
Health, Deforestation, Environment, Ritual and Adaptation
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF CHILD MARRIAGE IN ANYIGBA, DEKINA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
Early marriage today remains one of the greatest challenging phenomena demanding absolute and urgent attention in Africa, including Nigeria. This study examines the socio-economic implications of child marriage in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. The research design for the study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey, while questionnaire was used to collect data from 180 respondents using purposive sampling to select the participants for the study. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18 and were presented in simple percentages, frequency counts and tables. The findings revealed among others that child marriage had a negative effect on the respondents' health, the standard of living and educational status. It was also discovered that religious orientations of the couple’s parents did not play a significant role in the practice of child marriage. Finally, the finding revealed that many factors such as religion, illiteracy and poverty were the reasons why parents gave out their children early in marriage. The study, therefore, recommended that government, religious leaders and traditional rulers should be engaged through conventional, traditional and social media with a view to sensitising the parents and child brides on the effect of child marriage and its negative implications in the study area.
Child marriage; early marriage, socio-economic; religious beliefs, development; well-being
EBOH Alfred, OJO Stephen Oluwaseyi, OGACHEKO Daniel Philip & MOYAKI Gabriel Mayowa
PERCEPTION OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS AND RISKS OF SELF MEDICATION AMONG RESIDENTS OF AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
This work examined “Perception of Social Determinants and Risks of Self Medication among Residents of Awka South local government Area, Southeast Nigeria”. The objectives were: To find out how residents of Awka South L.G.A perceive the appropriateness of self- medication; the extent of the occurrence/involvement of residents in the practice of self medication; to find outsocial factors associated with it; the major illnesses/symptoms for which self-diagnosis and self medication are adopted among residents of Awka South L.G.A as well as risks associated with it in their area; and to ascertain the measures required to control the practice of self-medication in Awka South L.G.A. The population of the study was 116, 208 which is the population of persons aged 18years and above in Awka South L.G.A. The sample size used for this study was 360. Multi-stage sampling technique comprising cluster and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the sample for the study. The instruments for data collection were the questionnaire and in-depth interview guide. The qualitative data were analyzed using manual content analysis method, whereas the Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to process quantitative data which were thereafter presented in frequency distribution tables and simple percentages. The hypotheses were tested using chi-square test statistics (X2). The findings showed that residents of Awka South L.G.A considered the use of drugs without prescription as appropriate, although they agreed that there are risks associated with self medication. The majority of the residents saw the risk of drug over dose as a major risk associated with self medication. It was also found that the most common illnesses that self medication was adopted were minor conditions like body pain, headache, fever, cough, menstrual pain and cold while when confronted with moderate or major illness conditions, they seek professional care. The study also found out that people self medicate because of high cost of hospital bills, prolonged hospital registration and treatment procedure, availability and unrestrained access to drugs, poverty, gender issuess, and the information people get from family/friends concerning drugs and drug usage. It was also found in the study that the commonest drugs used for self medication was anti malaria drugs. It was recommended that drugs should not be sold over the counter without doctor’s prescription; also free medical treatment options should also be put in place to reduce costs of treatment. It was further recommended that sale of drugs by drug hawkers should be prohibited, while public awareness/enlightenment campaign on dangers of self-medication should be intensified.
Perception, social determinants, risks, self care, self- medication
NWANKWO Ignatius Uche & OKOLO Ann Obianuju
LEVEL OF COMPLIANCE TO THE UNITED NATIONS MINIMUM STANDARDS (NELSON MANDELA RULES, 2015) ON HEALTHCARE NEEDS AND TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS IN KANO CENTRAL AND GORON-DUTSE PRISONS OF KANO STATE, NORTHWESTERN NIGERI
Prison health is an integral part of public health concern. In this regard, addressing healthcare in prisons is central to any public health framework geared towards promoting health care. In view of the great variety of legal, social, economic and geographical conditions of the world, the United Nations developed the Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Offenders in 1955 which is now revised in the year 2015 and named after Nelson Mandela. They represent, as a whole, the minimum conditions which are accepted as suitable by the United Nations. This study examined the state of compliance to the Health provisionsof the Minimum Standards in Kano Central and GoronDutse Prisons. It utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods in collecting data from convicted prisoners and awaiting trial inmates and healthcare officials in the prisons. A total of 350 inmates were proportionately selected across convicts and awaiting trial inmates using Stratified Sampling technique as suggested by Wiseman’s 1999 table of sample size. Two (2) other respondents (healthcare officials) were purposively selected for interviews. The study revealed some shortfalls especially in the area of assessing prisoner’s health condition and associated risks before admission into the prison.
Prison, Rules, Health, Inmates, Compliance
AHMAD Ahmad H, KOYAMuktar M, ABDULKADIR Junaidu, JALOAisha Ibrahim
FACTORS AFFECTING THE UTILIAZATION OF THE VESICO VAGINAL FISTULA (VVF) CENTER IN EBOYI STATE, NIGERIA
This paper examined the factors affecting the utilization of the Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Center at Abakaliki, Eboyi state. A sample size of 92 respondents was drawn from the VVF center in Abakaliki. The non probability sampling technique was adopted in selecting the samples. Data was collected through the use of questionnaire and in-depth interview (IDI) guide. Findings showed that factors such as illiteracy, cultural belief, distrust in western civilization (medicine), low income, religious beliefs, fear of stigmatization and ignorance about the cause of the disease affect the utilization of the center by victims. The paper then suggests that public lectures should be organized in local dialects to educate the people on the relevance of the VVF center.
Civilization, Culture, Ignorance, Stigmatization, Utilization
MATHIAS Bentina Alawari & NZEKWESI Maureen
SOCIO-CULTURAL BASIS OF LONGEVITY BETWEEN WOMEN AND MEN IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA
There are differences in health status between women and men. This has been attributed to gender-specific health and longevity-related behaviours. Hence, society and culture influence men to certain lifestyles that are increasingly detrimental to their health and life. The aim of this study is to investigate socio-cultural factors responsible for longevity among older men and women. The lifestyle theory formed the theoretical base for this study. The study generally is a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted among 344 older adults aged 50 years and above in Yenagoa city of Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Data for the study was gathered through the use of the structured questionnaire, while data analysis was done using, univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistics at 0.05 level of significance. Findings from the study showed that there is 0.52 variation of the independent variables on longevity for female respondents with F (15, 155) = 11.25, p<0.000; while that of their male counterparts is 0.34 variation of the independent variables on longevity with F (14, 158) = 5.75, p<0.000. It was thus concluded that most social factors that determine longevity differentials by gender are more favourable to men.Hence, the need for socialization and re-socialization of individuals based on their gender to shape and re-shape the biological factors for more favourable living conditions and healthy lifestyles is essential for promoting healthy well-being and further enhance longevity free from diseases or morbidity.
Socio-cultural, longevity, men, women, life-style
UZOBO, Endurance & MUSTAFA-SHAIBU, Maryam
THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SOCIOLOGY, VOL 1 NO 1, 2019
KNOWLEDGE, ACCEPTANCE AND PRACTICE OF CHILD ADOPTION AMONG THE PEOPLE OF ORLU NORTH EAST, IMO STATE, NIGERIA
Childlessness sometimes become an issue in marriages and provides a strong motive for child adoption. Child adoption has dual role of giving joy having children to the adoptive family as well as providing abandoned, parentless, impoverished, homeless children with the affection and emotional security needed to develop and mature into a resourceful adult. That is lifelong security to the child and the adoptive family. Nevertheless, adoption is not beyond controversy as the adoptive parents face the challenges of full social recognition of their adopted child, while the adopted child is entrapped with issues of social acceptance and adjusting to care plans of his/ her new family. In fact adoption triad is beset with issues of loss, rejection, stigmatization, conflicts etc. This study was conducted in four communities in Orlu North East of Imo state namely, Akokwa, Akpulu, Dikenafai and Umuma-Isiaku to investigate the people’s perception and attitude towards adoption of children. One thousand two hundred (1200) questionnaires were administered to 600 unmarried males and females, 600 married males and females drawn from these communities selected through multistage sampling. Sixteen focus group discussions and fourteen in-depth interviews with 142 study participants comprising the communities’ traditional rulers, opinion leaders, social welfare officers, adoptive parents and members of the community development associations were conducted and used to generate the qualitative data for the study. The results of the study show high percentage (98.90%) of people’s knowledge of the concept of child adoption and remarkable acceptance of child adoption and the adopted child as a great asset for family provisions, stability and continuity (64.42%). Findings also show that child adoption was practised in this area in an informal manner and it was characterised by high level of secrecy, anonymity and sealed records. Majority of the respondents (43.2%) maintained that the main reason for child adoption was to solve the problem of childlessness. It was mainly childless couples that adopted children according to (45.2% of the respondents, followed by couples with one sex children (girls 17.9%) then couples with one sex children (boys 17.7%). The type of adoption that was mostly practised in this area was closed adoption. There is a social stigma often attached to adoption was however high. The study recommended implementation of relevant laws on adoption, as well as public enlightenment on child adoption by social workers and the media.
Child adoption, childlessness, acceptance, knowledge, practice
SOCIOLOGICAL REVIEW OF THE FORMS, MERITS AND CHALLENGES TRADITIONAL HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM IN NIGERIA
This review paper, anchored on functionalism and cultural relativity theories examines traditional health care delivery system in Nigeria, with emphasis on it's different forms, factors affecting the growth of traditional health care system, as well as merits and demerits of this health care option to the Nigerian society and humanity at large. Relying strictly on secondary sources, the study noted that two major categories of traditional health care providers were specialists and general practitioners. Areas of specialty included divination, bone setting and birth attendance among others; wherefore there is rich documentations to the effect that traditional health care system has recorded tremendous successes. However, problems like limited provisions for formal training for practitioners, low technology for large scale herbal drug manufacture and preservation, and non-adherence to standard dosages persist in the sector. It was recommended that the practice of traditional medicine should be adequately regulated. The practitioners should be made to undergo formal training to enhance the quality of their services.
Bone setting, health, traditional birth attendance, health care delivery system, traditional health care system
PERCEPTION OF WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE ON THE DETERMINANTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN ENUGU SOUTH URBAN OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
The prevalence of sexual violence against women at global and local settings is becoming very worrisome. It is on this note that this study examined “Perception of Women of Reproductive Age on the Determinants and Consequences of Sexual Violence against Women in Enugu south Urban of Enugu State, Nigeria”. The study participants were women of reproductive age (15-49) in the study area. The sample size was 390 respondents selected using convenience of availability sampling procedure. Instruments for data collection were questionnaire, In-Depth Interview (IDI) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Quantitative data were processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and analysed using percentages and frequency distribution tables. Transcription of the electronic recorded interview and field notes provided data for the qualitative analysis which was thematically approached. Findings of the study show that sexual violence against women is high in Enugu south urban. The results also show that pornographic pictures/films, alcoholism, gender inequality and patriarchy are factors responsible for sexual violence against women in Enugu South urban. The study recommended that government at all levels should make sure that laws against sexual violence against women are implemented. There should be gender balance, and gender equality between both sexes. Sex education should be inculcated into the school curriculum.
Gender-based violence, Sexual violence against women, Public perception, Pornography, Patriarchy
Nnamani Ngozi Christiana & Okeke Ngozi Chinenye
ATTITUDES TOWARDS EMBRYO ADOPTION AMONG INFERTILE COUPLES ATTENDING SELECTED HEALTH FACILITIES IN SOUTHEAST, NIGERIA
Background: Challenges associated with infertility have given rise to different forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to overcome infertility. Today, one of the ways ART is practiced is through embryo adoption. The mission of this reproductive technique is to offer individuals seeking to achieve parenthood additional choices to help them achieve their dream of reproduction. When performing in-vitro fertilization (IVF), the attitude of individuals play a critical role in shaping their decisions and actions in all spheres of life in Nigeria, including to use or not to use excess embryos from other infertile couples for reproduction. Attitudes to embryo adoption seems to be split between acceptance, reservation, and in some instances, outright rejection. Consequently, there is an unmet need for affected individuals of reproductive age that may require embryo adoption to achieve pregnancy. Until this paucity is addressed, infertility will likely remain a grave social burden to some Nigerian infertile couples especially women. Thus, the present study evaluated attitudes towards embryo adoption among infertile couples attending selected health facilities in Southeast, Nigeria. Theoretical framework: Theory of planned behavior which opined that sociocultural factors that surround reproductive donation could influence attitudes towards embryo adoption was adopted as the theoretical frame work for the study. Methods: A questionnaire regarding attitudes towards embryo adoption was given to a total sample of 613 infertile couples attending selected health facilities in Southeast, Nigeria. Results: In the overall analysis, the attitudes towards embryo adoption was negative due to some socio-demographic factors. A majority of the male and female respondents (83.03%) were only comfortable adopting embryo from a healthy anonymous stranger and carried by them in the case of women or their spouse in the case of men. A total of 99.7% agreed that they are very negatively predisposed to embryo adoption from known donor and carried by a surrogate. Approximately (81%) were very negatively predisposed to embryo adoption from a healthy stranger and carried by a surrogate. Approximately ninety-eight per cent of the respondents agreed that the genetic origin should be anonymous to the conceived child while 100% indicated that the surrogate should remain anonymous to the conceived child. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicates embracing supportive attitudes towards promoting the use of embryo adoption so as to circumvent infertility and improve reproductive health in Nigeria. Therefore, vigorous enlightenment, sensitization and cultural reorientation need to be mounted. Also, there is the need for policy directions and regulations to guide the practice in Nigeria.
Attitudes, embryo adoption, disclosure, anonymity, sociodemographic
Nneka Ihuoma Okafor & Peter Chukwuma Ezeah
THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SOCIOLOGY, Vol. 4 No. 1 (2023)
THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SOCIOLOGY, Vol. 5 No. 1 (2024)
SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING MALE INVOLVEMENT IN FAMILY PLANNING IN NIGERIA: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Family planning (FP) initiatives most times target women. However, acknowledging the roles of men in FP is vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) target of universal access to reproductive health by 2030. This study reviewed literature on the socio-cultural factors influencing male involvement in family planning in Nigeria. Health Belief Model (HBM) was adopted as the theoretical framework. The work thematically discussed existing literature on socio-cultural factors influencing male involvement in FP. Authors views served as the basis for the arguments presented. Majority of works reviewed argued that socio-cultural factors such as, religious belief and traditional values promote male dominance and control of family decisions. Also, levels of educational attainment, family income, spousal communication, gender inequality were presented by scholars to have influenced male involvement in family planning. To ensure increased male involvement in family planning, the study recommends that government should setup male-targeted programmes and clinics that take into consideration the cultural context of the country and to encourage men to be involved in FP. Also, there is need to engage community, religious and opinion leaders so that they can advocate for male partner involvement in family planning. Furthermore, education should be promoted and targeted at both women and men to empower them to make informed decisions regarding use of family planning products and services.
Education, Male involvement, Factors, Family Planning, Socio-cultural
Ngozi Chinenye OKEKE and Ignatius Uche NWANKWO
IMPACT OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE
Teenage pregnancy is one major contemporary social problem confronting most countries in the world, including Nigeria. This despicable situation has created several problems, most especially for teenage females in their health and academic endeavours. Thus, this study investigated the impact of teenage pregnancy on the academic performance of female secondary school students in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The study adopted functionalist theory as its theoretical foundation, and it employed a cross- sectional survey design and multi-stage sampling technique, where a total of 171 Senior Secondary Students aged 15–17 were randomly sampled using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The collected data were presented and analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequency distribution tables, and charts. Interviews were transcripted and analysed with the thematic method of data analysis. Findings revealed that there is a higher prevalence of teenage pregnancy in rural secondary schools than in urban secondary schools as a result of a lack of access to sex education in rural families, a lack of sex awareness in rural secondary schools, the influence of bad friends, and poor parenting among others. A number of implications for female secondary school students include stigmatisation, suspension or expulsion from school, missing classes, and repeating classes. In conclusion, it was recommended that there is a need to develop effective measures to enhance the transition of teenage mothers from one class to another in all secondary schools.
Academic Performance, Education, Impact, Teenage Pregnancy
Oguamanam, Gabriel Onyebuchi, Ph.D & Obah, Augustine Ikechukwu
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN OYI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE
Youths involve in criminal activities globally. Nigeria as a country is not an exception. Youths involve themselves in criminal activities for several reasons. The problem of youth involvement in crime has become a serious challenge to the society especially in Oyi local government area of Anambra state. The issue affects not just the individuals but also family members and the society at large. The implications are that the youth becomes useless rather than being useful to the society. The society is at risk because it leads to insecurity thereby giving bad image to the community. This is a theoretical work that made use of secondary sources of data like journals, academic sources. The strain theory was the theoretical framework for the work. It explains the rationale for crime among youths. It examined factors influencing youth involvement in criminal activities and possible solutions to the problem. The factors ranges from poverty, unemployment, family size, peer pressure and so on. Recommendations were given such as giving of incentives to youths in entrepreneurship, parents speaking to their children against crime, religious bodies talking about morality and also job creation by the governments for the youths.
crime, factors, peer pressure, poverty, youths
Amarachukwu Esther Okoye & Prof. Bentina Alawari Mathias
INCLUSIVE ACCESS TO EFFICIENT HEALTH CARE AND SUSTAINABLE INCOME AMONG THE AGED POPULATION IN NIGERIA: PROBING THE CORE ROLE OF SOCIAL SECURITY IN PROMOTING LIFE EXPECTANCY
Social security has been a big challenge facing Nigeria as a democratic society, especially among the aged population. So far, there is a dearth of scholarly inquiries on inclusive health care, particularly with a focus on the possible role of care homes in offering quality health care service to the aged population – retired federal, state, local governments and private individuals. This research gap informed the desire to carry out this review work. This study, therefore, aims at investigating the role of care homes in providing quality and social welfare for the aged and elderly groups in the Nigerian society. The study adopted ex post facto design. It is anchored on the social assistance theory. The study revealed that most of the aged population in Nigeria is at risk of social service – deterioration of health, poor feeding, challenges of family dynamics, increased demand for medical services, decreased functional independence, government neglect, absence of an effective national health policy and increased economic stress among others. Based on the findings, the study recommends among others, that government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and private individuals should provide effective care homes for the vulnerable aged in the rural, urban and city centres across the states in Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. They should also employ competent health personnel, care givers and social workers to can man(age) the care homes effectively for optimum inclusive health development in Nigeria.
Aged Population, Care Homes, Development, Health Care, Inclusive Health
MOTIVATIONS, CONSEQUENCES, AND PREVENTION OF DRUG DIVERSION: A STUDY OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, ZARIA
This study explores drug diversion motivations, consequences, and prevention among healthcare professionals at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria. It comprehensively addresses healthcare’s drug diversion issue, investigating drivers, outcomes, and preventive strategies. Primary research questions focus on motives behind drug diversion at ABUTH, Zaria, its consequences, and effective prevention. Employing cross-sectional design, self- administered questionnaires gather data from ABUTH, Zaria’s healthcare professionals. The questionnaire captures sociodemographic, motivations, perceived impact, and preventive recommendations. It includes closed-ended, Likert scale, multiple-choice, and open-ended items. A convenience sample from diverse ABUTH, Zaria departments yields 398 respondents. A pilot study precedes data collection to enhance questionnaire clarity. Adherence to ethical guidelines ensures participant consent, confidentiality, and anonymity. Descriptive statistics analyse data, yielding frequency distributions, percentages for motivations, impact, and preventive strategies. Findings align with literature, identifying addiction as a key motive. Consequences include compromised patient safety, supply chain disruption, legal ramifications, and reputational harm. Vulnerabilities in healthcare systems drive targeted interventions. Recommendations address ABUTH, Zaria’s drug diversion. These include robust controlled substance reviews, transparent drug procurement policies, mandatory medical staff verification, waste area monitoring, and enhanced video surveillance. The study concludes that addressing addiction-driven diversion and prioritizing targeted prevention is productive in curbing drug diversion and that recommended strategies can enhance medication security, patient safety, and healthcare system integrity, fostering a safer, accountable environment.
Drug diversion, Healthcare professionals, Motivations, Consequences, Prevention strategies
Akeem Olalekan AYUB; Nankling Michael LAMU & Nurat Kehinde ADEYEMI
CULTURAL BELIEFS AND HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION AMONG URBAN AND RURAL DWELLERS IN ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
This study investigated cultural beliefs and healthcare utilization among urban and rural dwellers in Anambra state, Nigeria. The study used mixed-methods research design. This kind of research collects and analyses data using quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were gathered with questionnaire and the qualitative data were collected with in-depth interview guide (IDI). Quantitative data collected were processed by SPSS and analyzed with descriptive statistics, while data from qualitative interview were coded into themes that reflect the objectives of this study. Evidence suggests that cultural beliefs influence healthcare utilization, affecting both the accessibility and effectiveness of healthcare services. Many people in the rural area have a strong reliance on traditional medicine, preferring herbal remedies and spiritual interventions over modern medical treatments than urban dwellers, though some of the urban dwellers indicated that they sometimes go for herbal medicine. This preference often leads to delays in seeking professional healthcare, which can result in worsened health outcomes and higher mortality rates. The study recommends a further study that will be comprehensive enough in generating more evidence to aid generalization.