Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice among Nursing Mothers in rural areas of Enugu State and its Implications for Social Work Practice in Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.E. Okafor ◽  
P. C. Agwu ◽  
U. O. Okoye ◽  
O. A. Uche ◽  
E. K. Oyeoku
Author(s):  
H. Stephen Cooper ◽  
Freddie L. Avant

Rural social work, the history of which stretches back more than a century, has been revitalized since the mid-1970s. The renewed interest in rural social work has led to an increase in scholarship on rural social work practice, much of which is a direct result of the efforts of the Rural Social Work Caucus and its annual National Institute on Social Work and Human Services in Rural Areas. Recent research endeavors have moved our understanding of the differences between rural and urban communities beyond the common definitions, which are limited to population and population density. We have also come to realize that there are many different types of rural communities, all of which have different characteristics, needs, etc. Specifically, the concept of rural is not monolithic. Rural practitioners and researchers have also reached a better understanding of the following: rural culture and lifestyles, the importance of approaching rural communities from a strengths perspective rather than a deficit or problem focus, and the challenges to rural practice presented by the characteristics that are common across rural communities (e.g., lack of anonymity, dual relationships). Not surprisingly, the increase in research on rural social work practice has been accompanied by an interest in preparing social workers for rural practice and growth in the number of graduate programs focused on such. The importance of these programs lies in the unique nature of the challenges faced by rural communities. For example, many rural communities are experiencing sharp population declines while at the same time seeing substantial increases in adults who are 65 years of age and older. Other common trends include: economic decline and subsequent increase in social issues; substantial issues with substance abuse, especially methamphetamine and opioids; lack of technology infrastructure; concerns related to the environment and/or conversation of natural resources; and lack of services for veterans. The key to successfully addressing these issues in rural communities is involvement from social workers who are prepared to practice in the rural context.


1986 ◽  
Vol 67 (8) ◽  
pp. 466-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gretchen H. Waltman

The unique aspects of rural social work practice are discussed, with emphasis on the relationship between rural values and primary social work methods and skills. Suggestions for meeting the professional development needs of rural social workers are presented.


Author(s):  
Varoshini Nadesan

This study highlights the challenges faced by social work students during their fourth-year field placements. The research was conducted among social work students at two historically disadvantaged universities in South Africa. The aim of the study was to understand the field experiences of final-year Bachelor of Social Work students from historically disadvantaged universities. It was anticipated that these students were placed at rural or semi-rural communities that were close to the university. Students in the fourth and final year of their undergraduate study are expected to receive training that would generate advanced field practice experience in specialised settings to prepare them for the reality of social work practice in the workplace. A qualitative study was undertaken among current and past social work students. The findings highlighted issues pertaining to limited placements, poorly managed student placements, access to communities, and supervision challenges. However, the key findings indicate that once placed, the students felt abandoned by their training institutions and left to rely solely on their field supervisors for academic, administrative and developmental guidance. The study recommends that universities be more adept at fulfilling the needs of students and providing comprehensive support. The study also recommends that a suitably administered system of communication between the university, student and placement agency be implemented as part of the comprehensive support to students.


2004 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 515-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Saltman ◽  
Joanne Gumpert ◽  
Kandie Allen-Kelly ◽  
Joanna Zubrzycki

A comparison of social work practice in rural areas of the United States and Australia reflects similar characteristics. Findings add support to the assertion that there are particular qualities to practice in the rural context that are embedded in the subtleties of shaping social work roles to fit into rural culture.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Christopher N. Ngwu ◽  
Ogbu Chukwuemeka Osmond ◽  
Abonyi E. Sunday

Drug use has not been the problem but rather its abuse and irrespective of the risk thereof, people still abuse them. That is why this study was set out to examine the perceptions of drug use and abuse among adults in Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design. The study subjects consisted of 195 respondents (107 males and 88 females) aged 18 years and above. The quantitative data gathered were analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) using percentages and frequency distribution tables. Chi-square (X2) statistics were used to test the hypotheses The findings showed that 52.3% of the respondents know the meaning of drug use while majority of the respondents were aware of drug abuse. 81.0% of the respondents have negative perception of drug abuse. Also, 54.9% stated that Marijuana is the most abused drug in the study area. Eighty percent (80%) believed that increase in drug abuse increases the rate of crime in the communities. Above thirty-one percent believe that family problems contributed in abusing drugs. The implications of the study to social work practice therefore, is to carry out the public enlightenment, community education, counselling and research on the dangers of drug abuse in Nigeria. The study recommends that the stakeholders in drug use and management should develop appropriate measures to combat the menace of drug abuse that is ravaging our society.


2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Gumpert ◽  
Joan E. Saltman ◽  
Donna Sauer-Jones

Although literature has identified cultural values, environmental factors, and specific problems unique to social work practice in rural and small communities, research efforts focused on identification of the differences between rural and urban practice have found little variation. This article presents a new dimension. The findings from a survey of rural practitioners provide a closer look at practice within the rural context. Findings confirm several characteristics found in the literature: direct and indirect practice with multiple client systems, and extensive interface with community based systems of self help groups and natural helpers. The impact of two factors, the influence of rural cultural norms and values and lack of resources, appears to suggest avenues for further study in order to uncover the unique qualities of rural practice. Implications are drawn for social work education.


2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-86
Author(s):  
Sisko Piippo ◽  
Juha Hämäläinen ◽  
Anssi Savolainen ◽  
Mari Suonio ◽  
Raija Väisänen

This article deals with development work that aimed at promoting a better integration of social work university education and social work practice. The development work incorporated the academic world into the working life of social workers in rural areas. As a result, a permanent university-agency network was established, consisting of a university-coordinated networked infrastructure of 26 significant employer organisations (municipalities and nongovernmental organisations). Seminars, workgroups and a continuing education course for practice educators were modelled and realised as network activities. The network has enhanced collaboration. To support the aims of social work education to promote the use of scientific methods and techniques in practice, a significant structure for better interaction with the practice field has been created. Practitioners do have enthusiasm for development work and it is essential in terms of research-based social work as to how this is resourced, supported and utilised by educational solutions. However, in addition to the university-practice relationship, the relationship between individuals and their employer agencies is also key in terms of escalating learning into the organisational context.


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