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Category: Volume 08 Issue 04 April 2020
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Title: Coping with Health and Psychosocial Well-being of Older Cohorts: Impact of Medical Social Workers in Nigeria

Authors: Jecinta Chibuzor. Ene (Ph.D Candidate), Dr Yemi Adewoyin, Ijeoma Blessing. Uche (Ph.D Candidate)

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i4.93

Abstract

 

Health is one issue that cannot be compromised. With changing demographics in aging, older cohorts experience decline in health and psychosocial well-being. It then follows that the next line of action is care-giving. This study examined the perceived challenges and coping strategies with health and psychosocial well-being of older cohorts and social work intervention for them and their caregivers. Results were presented from a qualitative analysis using Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Fifty-six (56) participants from four purposively selected rural communities in Enugu-West Senatorial zone (forty (40) caregivers and sixteen (16) older adults) were enlisted in the study. Result indicated that older cohorts in Nigeria face tremendous challenges in coping with health and psychosocial well-being particularly in three major areas including, changes in family structure, absence of social support and health service utilization. The study recommends the implementation of government policy particularly in health and social service sectors; recruitment of skill based medical social workers with other health personnel to coordinate coping strategies including skill acquisition, intervention, follow up treatment, counseling and inculcating health education programs to older cohorts and their caregivers.

Keywords: caregivers; health; older cohorts; psychosocial; social workers and well-being.

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Corresponding Author

Jecinta Chibuzor. Ene (Ph.D candidate)