Social Work Research

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Centenarians In The Global South: A View From Ethiopia
(Oxford University Press, 2021) Chane, Samson; Adamek, Margaret; School of Social Work
As global aging advances, the number of centenarians worldwide is greatly increasing. Most of what is known about centenarians comes the Global North. It is not clear what factors contribute to longevity of centenarians in impoverished, mostly rural areas of Global South nations that still lack basic amenities. Cultural differences in the profile, lifestyles, and needs of centenarians in Africa have yet to be documented. Using a case study design, this descriptive inquiry investigated the profiles of centenarians in Ethiopia including religion, marriage, education, occupation, income, and living arrangement. Data were generated through in-depth interviews with nine centenarians (1 woman, 8 men) and were analyzed using descriptive narrative analysis. Respondents were between 100 and 108 years old. All nine were adherents of Orthodox Christianity, had been married, and were great-grandparents. Their adult lives were marked by both residential and marital stability. The Ethiopian centenarians persevered through many losses and hardships with the help of strong community-based social networks. Unlike studies of centenarians in the Global North, most respondents were male and had strict religious upbringings. Understanding the unique profiles of centenarians in the Global South will help to inform research and practice with this growing population of the oldest-old.
Challenges Facing Yemen Refugee Women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(2023-10) Adamek, Margaret; Amare, Samuel; Minaye, Abebaw; School of Social Work
Forced migration is associated with several challenges. The challenges that refugee women faced in their host countries were numerous. There has been a gender bias in Ethiopian literature on refugees. Refugees are homogenized in the existing studies. The gender differences among refugees have an impact on the challenges of forced migration that they encounter and how they handle them. Moreover, no study has been done on the adaptation challenges faced by Yemeni refugee women in Addis Ababa. This study's main objective was to examine the challenges that Yemeni refugee women faced in Addis Ababa. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to achieve that objective. Thirteen Yemeni refugee women were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide to understand their experiences. Purposive sampling was used to choose study participants. The data was analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis procedures. The study's findings revealed that refugee women encountered several challenges that were detrimental to their well-being, including language difficulties, limited income and job opportunities, unrecognized identity papers and price increases, and housing problems. Furthermore, refugee women faced social isolation and sexual harassment. The study concluded that the challenges that Yemeni refugee women faced in Addis Ababa had an enormous impact on their well-being, which demands immediate intervention.
Effects of Social Isolation on the Well-Being and Coping Mechanisms of Older Adults in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia
(Oxford University Press, 2024-12-31) Kotecho, Messay; Kassay, Abraham; Adamek, Margaret; School of Social Work
Research concerning older adults is gaining attention in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, previous research has disregarded the issue of social isolation among elders in Ethiopia. The prevalence of social isolation among older adults is now a significant concern worldwide due to its impact on both individuals and society at large. This study examined how social isolation affects the well-being of older adults and their coping mechanisms, focusing specifically on the experiences of older adults in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia. A phenomenological approach was used to investigate the experiences of 10 older adults (5 male and 5 female) aged 60 and above, purposefully selected for in-depth interviews and observations. The results indicate that participants are increasingly susceptible to social isolation due to factors such as negative perceptions of aging, loss of meaningful relationships, economic hardships, and age-related health issues. Consequently, elders experience a reduction in social connections, health issues, psychological distress, and challenges in meeting basic needs. Despite these obstacles, older adults have developed various coping strategies, including engaging in prayer and spiritual practices, depending on intergenerational support, participating in traditional savings associations (Idir), and sleeping excessively. Nonetheless, many participants express feelings of pessimism, weakness, lack of affection, and a sense of worthlessness about their future. Additionally, participants report facing disengagement and a loss of social ties alongside grappling with severe poverty and inadequate access to healthcare services. The study underscores the urgent need to bolster intergenerational solidarity and social capital within the community to tackle the multifaceted challenges confronting older adults in Ethiopia.
Ethiopian centenarians: Health conditions and sensory/cognitive functionality
(Oxford, 2022-11) Chane, Samson; Adamek, Margaret; School of Social Work
Globally, the centenarian population is expected to increase in the coming three decades reaching 3 million by 2050. In Ethiopia, like other Sub-Saharan African countries, information about the health condition, sensory and cognitive functionality of centenarians is scanty. This study examined the health conditions and sensory/cognitive functionality of Ethiopian centenarians. A qualitative case study design was employed. Nine centenarians (1 woman, 8 men) between age 100 and 108 were identified using snowball sampling. Data were generated through in-depth interviews and analyzed using descriptive analysis. All 9 were Orthodox Christians and lived in rural areas either with their wives (3) or other relatives. Four centenarians could read and write, two attended grade eight and nine, and three were non-literate. Before retirement the centenarians engaged in different occupations as farmers (4), shoemaker, government employee, school teacher, priest, “bounty hunter” and mechanic. Most perceived that their sensory and cognitive functionality was normal until their later 90s except for minor complaints. Centenarians faced walking difficulty (5), joint tightness (4), back pain (4), fatigue, dental issues, stuttering, hypertension (3), insomnia, diabetes, anorexia, severe headache, constipation and anxiety. Two centenarians identified themselves as escapers. Centenarians faced hearing defect (4), sight problems, and a decrease in taste and smell. Two reported proper functioning of their sensory organs. Despite various health problems, the Ethiopian centenarians aspired to live longer resiliently. Findings call for further study and the need for social workers, caregivers, and health care practitioners to consider the health conditions, sensory and cognitive functionality of centenarians.
Everything Has Changed For The Worse: Experiences Of Elders Displaced By Armed Conflict In Ethiopia
(Oxford University Press, 2022) Gebeyaw, Getachew; Dessale, Shambel; Kasseye, Eyayu; Adamek, Margaret; School of Social Work
In November 2020 an outbreak of ethnically and politically motivated armed conflict started in Tigray, Ethiopia and expanded to the Amhara and Afar regions, bringing a devastating impact upon civilians and disadvantaged groups. Persons living in those areas, including elders, were forced to flee and seek refuge at internal displacement centers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by older individuals fleeing the war zone and settling in internal displacement centers during Ethiopia's armed conflict. A qualitative descriptive case study was used in this cross-sectional investigation. Purposive sampling was used to identify 13 displaced older adults. Data from the in-depth interviews with elders were supplemented with key informant interviews and observations. Narrative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the older adults faced a variety of challenges in the war zone while escaping their homes and in the displacement center, all of which negatively impacted their physical and psychosocial well-being. Elders fled on foot and walked for three days without food to reach the internal displacement center. In addition to food shortage, other themes included loss of significant others, family disintegration, and lack of care and support. The findings call attention to the need for practical access to social and economic integration of elders in the aftermath of war as well as ongoing psychosocial intervention. In Ethiopia and in other war-affected areas, displaced older people need tailored support.
"Hunger Would Kill Us Instead Of The Pandemic:" Elders' Responses To Covid-19 In Ethiopia
(Oxford University Press, 2021) Kotecho, Messay; Takele, Anduamlak; Adamek, Margaret; School of Social Work
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unpredictable challenges globally. Urban elders in Global South nations are among the major population groups vulnerable to COVID-19. A qualitative case study design was used to uncover the challenges and sources of support for poor urban elders during COVID-19 lockdown in Ethiopia. Data were collected from 27 elders age 60 and above in Debre Markos Town via in-depth interviews and document review. Narrative data were analyzed using thematic data analysis. Four prominent themes were identified: 1. Food insecurity (“Hunger would kill us instead of COVID-19”), 2. Hopelessness (“Feeling hopeless and begging to die”), 3. Social isolation (“We prefer social support rather than food donations”) and 4. Gratitude (“Feeling thankful”). The physical distancing program introduced to contain the pandemic isolated many elders and diminished their capacity to access support from others needed to perform their daily activities. An institutional welfare system is needed to ensure older adults in the Global South can live a joyful and dignified life, even through a global pandemic. Moreover, a special emergency fund to meet older adults’ basic needs during a pandemic like COVID-19 should be introduced to minimize the effect of crises on vulnerable groups like destitute older adults in Ethiopia.
Intergenerational Equity: An Urgent Call for Aging Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa
(Oxford University Press, 2024-12-31) Teshome, Abraham; Adeniji, Dolapo; Ashirifi, Gifty; Adamek, Margaret; School of Social Work
Contrary to popular belief, family-based care and support for older people in Sub-Saharan Africa is gradually eroding due to various factors, including urbanization, migration, and modernization. As the issues of older people and aging are not mainstreamed into national economic and development agenda and policies, most older people in the region live in abject poverty, which has undermined their healthy aging and quality of life. Although many Sub-Saharan African countries are signatories to the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), only a few have developed national aging policies to meet the needs of their older population. Against this backdrop, we conducted cross-sectional qualitative study to learn why public policy in Sub-Saharan Africa is sluggish in responding to the needs of the region’s growing older population. We conducted an online survey (n=78) and three FGDs (n=13) with African scholars and practitioners from 12 nations. Based on descriptive and thematic analyses, our study revealed five themes: a) lack of political will, b) disconnect between researchers and policymakers, c) lack of research and comprehensive data related to older people, d) inappropriate aging policy, and e) budget constraints. Our study’s findings call for more research and comprehensive data regarding the needs and challenges of the region’s older population, policy advocacy, and awareness-raising about older adults’ issues among policymakers, involvement of all stakeholders in aging policy development, and regular dialogues between policymakers, researchers, older adults, and other stakeholders.
Is a Universal Term for Older Adults Culturally Appropriate? Considering Preferred Terms in Africa
(Oxford University Press, 2024-12-31) Adamek, Margaret; Ashirifi, Gifty; Adeniji, Dolapo; Teshome, Abraham; School of Social Work
Terminology matters. For consistency’s sake, one may argue that aging scholars should use one universal term for older adults regardless of what part of the world they are studying. Others may argue that the terms used by scholars in the Global South to refer to older adults should not be dictated by scholars in the Global North. If the term “elder” is a term of respect for older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa, should African scholars writing about aging be required to use the preferred term of the Global North? Can a universal term for older adults be culturally appropriate globally? With such questions in mind, we conducted a mixed methods study of preferred terms for older adults. Respondents included 78 African scholars and practitioners who completed an online survey. For this study we analyzed responses of 13 scholars from 6 African nations who participated in online focus groups. Using descriptive narrative analysis, our results indicate a wide variety of preferred terms for older adults including elder (Ethiopia), elderly, senior citizen, seniors, pensioners, and golden agers (Malawi). Many terms for older adults exist in local dialects—some connoting respect for elders, others that are derogatory. Respondents indicated older Africans prefer terms that convey respect, honor, and endearment. In scholarly dissemination efforts, we recommend a balanced approach with a universal term such as older adults for international audiences and yet leeway for native scholars to use the term for older people (e.g., “elder”) that is a best fit for their culture.
Is Active Aging Possible In Ethiopia? Perceptions Of Rural Older Adults
(Oxford University Press, 2022) Teshome, Abraham; Kotecho, Messay; Adamek, Margaret; School of Social Work
Despite historical veneration of elders, older adults are increasingly viewed as a burden in many Sub Saharan African nations. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the aging experiences of 20 adults aged 70 and older in rural Ethiopia. Themes that emerged from the interviews were analyzed in light of the three pillars of the World Health Organization’s Active Aging Framework: health, security, and participation. Despite facing multiple barriers to active aging including lack of health care, financial hardship, ageism, and social exclusion, study participants were determined not to withdraw from activities in an effort to retain their autonomy, independence, and sense of dignity. As one participant shared, "the government does not care about us because it considers us as a useless segment of the society." Three themes reflected their major struggles: dwindling health and lack of access to health care, financial hardship, and social exclusion tied to ageism. The fourth theme--willful and purposive engagement--reflects the older adults’ response to these struggles. Contrary to myths about rural aging, study participants faced multifaceted challenges that kept them from realizing active ageing as they were not provided with sustained opportunities for health, security, and participation. Study findings point to the need for policymakers and other concerned bodies to develop supportive policies and programs to promote older adults’ well-being. The study calls for a paradigm shift that involves adopting the WHO’s Active Aging Framework, developing rights-based policies and programs, popularizing active aging, and revitalizing intergenerational solidarity.
Life On The Streets Is Horrible: Older Rural-Urban Migrants Cope With Homelessness In Ethiopia
(Oxford University Press, 2022) Gebeyaw, Getachew; Kotecho, Messay; Adamek, Margaret; School of Social Work
The prevalence of homelessness among older adults in Ethiopia is growing. While prior studies examined the push factors and challenges of homeless elders, little is known about how older people in Sub Saharan Africa cope with homelessness. This study explored the coping strategies of homeless older people in Kobo Town, Ethiopia. Purposive sampling was used to identify 10 homeless older people and four key informants. Study participants were homeless for a year or longer. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected through in-depth interviews. To cope with the challenges faced on the street, homeless older people used various strategies including begging, holy water, drying leftover food, using river water for hygiene and sanitation, sleeping in church compounds, and creating their own social networks. Despite their efforts, the coping strategies used by elders were not sufficient. In the absence of family and government support, study participants relied heavily on begging to meet their survival needs. The findings call attention to the need for a national income support program and other supportive services for older adults. Homelessness is the product of a failing support system. Despite Ethiopia having a Plan of Action for Older Persons and Social Protection Policy for Vulnerable Groups, these policies have not been effectively implemented leaving older adults with no safety net. This study calls for the development of new policies to empower older people in Ethiopia and prevent them from turning to begging as their only recourse.

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