Social Work Research

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Challenges and Assets of Older Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: Perspectives of Gerontology Scholars
(Taylor & Francis, 2022) Adamek, Margaret E.; Gebremariam Kotecho, Messay; Chane, Samson; Gebeyaw, Getachew; School of Social Work
Life expectancy is increasing globally, with the biggest gains expected in sub-Saharan Africa. Using an online survey, we investigated the perspectives of gerontology scholars on the challenges of aging in sub-Saharan Africa as well as the assets of older adults. Respondents (n = 72) from 17 countries, primarily in Africa, and representing 16 disciplines, identified the top issues facing African older adults as: poverty, lack of trained geriatric professionals, food insecurity, disability/health issues, and long-term care. Older adults' unique strengths were noted as indigenous knowledge systems, being holders of cultural heritage, and their contributions to development. Respondents' biggest concerns about older adults in sub-Saharan Africa were the lack of government attention to aging issues (63%) and a lack of social services targeted to older adults' needs (57%). Government funding (77.8%) and international partnerships (38.9%) were noted as resources needed to support aging research in sub-Saharan Africa. The response or non-response of governments in sub-Saharan Africa will determine whether the growing number of older adults will increasingly experience unmet needs and whether their assets will be considered in development efforts. Establishing professional networks of gerontology scholars in the region will help to document the challenges faced by older adults, to plan for the coming demographic shift, and to empower older adults to thrive as valued community members.
Death Attitudes Among Middle-Aged Koreans: Role of End-of-Life Care Planning and Death Experiences
(Sage, 2018-01) Hong, Michin; Hong, Seunghye; Adamek, Margaret E.; Kim, Mee Hye; School of Social Work
The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting death attitudes among middle-aged Koreans. In addition, the study explored the interaction effect between knowledge about end-of-life care planning and the experience of death of family or friends on death attitudes. The sample was obtained from a national survey with middle-aged adults in South Korea (n = 2,026). Multivariate regression analysis revealed significant main effects and an interaction effect between knowledge about end-of-life care planning and the experience of death on death attitudes. Greater knowledge of end-of-life care planning was associated with more positive attitudes toward death; however, the effect was stronger for those who had not experienced the death of family or friends. Being older and having greater life satisfaction were also associated with more positive attitudes toward death. This study suggests that end-of-life education can help middle-aged adults embrace the final stage of life and prepare for their own death.
Fall 2020: Advancing Social Work Innovations
(Indiana University School of Social Work, 2020) Adamek, Margaret E.; School of Social Work
Fall 2021: Struggles Bring Opportunity
(Indiana University School of Social Work, 2021) Adamek, Margaret E.; School of Social Work
In the Fall 2021 issue of Advances in Social Work, we are pleased to present 16 full-length papers written by 30 authors from different regions of the U.S. including Puerto Rico as well as from Ghana. An underlying theme of many of these contributions is the opportunity brought about through various struggles: patriarchal systems leading to innovative women entrepreneurs, social distancing measures spawning new ways of learning virtually and new ways of practicing social work, and mental health challenges exposed among elite athletes leading to new frontiers of practice. The variety of social work contributions to wellness, advocacy, and social justice seem to be ever-expanding. Interestingly, despite the trend toward multiple-authored papers over time, 7 of the papers in this issue are solo-authored--perhaps an artifact of the pandemic. Each paper is introduced briefly below, followed by our annual recognition of reviewers for Advances in Social Work.
"Homelessness and Health Problems Are Not Distinct:" the Challenges of Rural-Urban Migrant Homeless Older People in Ethiopia
(Springer, 2021-12) Gebeyaw, Getachew; Kotecho, Messay Gebremariam; Adamek, Margaret E.; School of Social Work
Compared with western countries, research on homelessness among older people in developing nations is minimal. Unlike in Global North nations that offer income security in late-life, in areas like Sub-Saharan Africa abject poverty contributes to older adults migrating from rural areas to urban centers in search of a means of livelihood. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges faced by homeless older rural-urban migrants in Kobo Town, Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study employed a qualitative descriptive case study. Purposive sampling was used to identify ten older adult migrants who had been homeless for more than a year. Data from in-depth interviews was supplemented with key informant interviews, observation, and document review. The narrative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Study results revealed that homeless elders faced multiple challenges including lack of necessities such as food, shelter, and water, mobility issues, lack of employment access, social exclusion, and psychological struggles. The findings call attention to the need for practical access to social and economic empowerment responses to prevent and curb homelessness among older adults in developing nations.
‘Hunger would kill us instead of COVID-19’: Elders' response to the pandemic in Debre Markos Town, Ethiopia
(Wiley, 2022) Takele, Anduamlak M.; Kotecho, Messay G.; Adamek, Margaret E.; School of Social Work
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unpredictable challenges globally. Older adults are among the population groups most vulnerable to COVID-19. Poor urban elders in Ethiopia struggle to meet their basic needs due to waning traditional familial norms of providing care for elders as a result of urbanisation, poverty and migration. The aim of this study was to give voice to vulnerable elders during the COVID-19 lockdown in Ethiopia and to reveal their sources of support. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected from 27 elders aged 60 and above in Debre Markos Town, Ethiopia via in-depth interviews conducted from March–May 2020. To determine the nature of support provided for destitute elders, data were also gathered from two local officials. Narrative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four prominent themes were identified: ‘Hunger would kill us instead of COVID-19,’ ‘Feeling hopeless and begging to die,’ ‘We prefer social support rather than food donations’ and ‘Gratitude.’ Elders considered the practice of social distancing to fight COVID-19 as an unwelcome luxury for people whose livelihood depends on begging and petty trade. The physical distancing programme put elders in isolation, diminishing their capacity to maintain their livelihood. Due to the increasing disrespectful attitudes towards aged people, elders felt even less valued than usual. Interactions were described as undermining, embarrassing and abusive. A special emergency fund and organised social supports are needed to minimise the effect of the pandemic on vulnerable groups like destitute elders in Ethiopia. Moreover, an institutional welfare response is needed to ensure elders can live a dignified life.
Impact of Schools' Social Bonding on Chronic Truancy: Perceptions of Middle School Principals
(2009-03-18T18:34:05Z) Gentle-Genitty, Carolyn Sherlet; Westhuis, David; Barton, William H., 1949-; Adamek, Margaret E.; Anderson, Jeffrey; Jarjoura, G. Roger
No longer is the family the only unit of care for children and their education; schools are now the primary unit of education and are responsible for at least 6-8 hours of student connectedness. Yet, one in every 100 US students is truant. Among students ages 14-17, the number of truants is one in 10. In one township in Indiana, one in every three students is a chronic truant. Understanding why children disengage from school before reaching the compulsory attendance age of 16 is essential. This study explored the relationship of schools’ social bonding opportunities and principals’ perceptions of students’ social bond on rates of chronic truancy in middle schools. Chronic truancy was defined as 10 or more absences reported to the Indiana Department of Education during the 2006-2007 school year. Methods. A cross-sectional online survey consisting of 81 items was administered using Survey Monkey™. The list of participants was generated from the Indiana Department of Education’s online database of middle and junior high schools in Indiana. Of the 429 principals invited to participate, 144 responded. The final sample consisted of 99 public schools. Secondary data was used to compare school demographic characteristics. Results. Using multiple regression analyses, the results showed that schools’ social bonding opportunities and principals’ perceptions of students’ social bonding in middle school were positively but not significantly related to rates of chronic truancy. The variables in the model of best fit accounted for 16% of the change in rates of chronic truancy. Principals reported doing well at creating opportunities for students to attach and be involved in school but that they needed to improve on building relationships to effectively increase social bonding in their middle schools. Conclusions. Student success is dependent on not only what the student brings to the school environment but what the school environment provides to the student. Creating an environment for students to thrive and succeed relies on the opportunities for social bonding in the middle school. Truancy prevention and school engagement is a shared responsibility.
“It is all About Giving Priority to Older Adults’ Needs:” Challenges of Formal Caregivers in Two Old Age Homes in Ethiopia
(Springer, 2022-12) Dawud, Meriem; Kotecho, Messay Gebremariam; Adamek, Margaret E.; School of Social Work
With a growing older population needing long-term care in Ethiopia, this study examined the challenges and needs of formal caregivers at two older adult homes. A qualitative, exploratory design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to identify 14 formal caregivers and 6 key informants who engaged in in-depth interviews. Formal caregivers assisted older adults with personal care, medication administration, and emotional support. As a result of high workloads, long work hours, an absence of training, and minimal compensation, caregivers faced many challenges including managing older adults’ difficult behavior, exposure to health hazards, and task burden. The all-encompassing demands of caring for older adults in resource-poor environments contributed to negative consequences that spilled over into caregivers’ personal lives. The capacity of formal caregivers to meet the needs of long term care residents in developing nations can be enhanced through training in geriatric care, adequate compensation, and best practice guidelines for long term care.
'No Matter How Harsh, We Are Alive': Coping Strategies of Rural–Urban Migrant Homeless Older People in Ethiopia
(Wiley, 2022-11) Gebeyaw, Getachew; Kotecho, Messay Gebremariam; Adamek, Margaret E.; 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 cope with homelessness in a context of limited ageing services. 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. Thematic analysis was used to analyse 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 best efforts, elders' coping strategies could not overcome the barriers imposed by their resource-poor environment. The findings call attention to the urgent need for a national response to elders' unmet needs including an income support programme and multifaceted support services for older adults in Ethiopia.
Prioritizing the National Aging Policy in Ghana: Critical Next Steps
(Taylor & Francis, 2021-06-01) Ashirifi, Gifty D.; Karikari, Grace; Adamek, Margaret E.; School of Social Work
Most developing nations are facing rapid population aging with limited economic and social resources. In Ghana, a National Aging Policy (NAP) was promulgated by the government in 2010 to ensure the well-being of older adults. Since its passage, the NAP has yet to be funded and implemented. In this paper we synthesize key information on policies and programs targeted at older adults in Ghana and identify the challenges that are adversely impacting their welfare, including the non-implementation of the National Aging Policy. To give the NAP needed attention and promote its implementation, a national coordinating body exclusively devoted to older adults is an essential first step. Critical next steps are offered to promote the effective implementation of the NAP and ensure the well-being of older adults in Ghana. With its current foundation of support programs for older adults, Ghana has the opportunity to be the lead nation in Sub-Saharan Africa to establish a national level office dedicated to promoting older adults’ well-being and including them in the nation’s development efforts.

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