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Item A Case Study in Non-Directive Child-Centred Play Therapy & Silent Nonverbal Communication. Self-expression through different play mediums and symbols in the playroom.(2024) Unknown authorSilence and nonverbal communication carry many meanings; however, society and educational settings often may not see them as valuable communication or self-expression tools. In the Play Therapy context, that is more recognisable, but still, some therapists may hold prejudice against silence and nonverbal cues as means for connecting and expressing one's inner self. Even though language is a unique human trait and skill that allows us to verbally articulate our interpretations of the world, children might not find language as easily accessible. Trauma, adversity, brain development and the ineffectiveness of language for capturing the depths of our experiences might be why some children use silent and nonverbal communication through different play mediums (e.g. painting, clay, building blocks) in the therapeutic space. To conduct the case study, I used hermeneutic phenomenology with thematic and phenomenological analysis to explore the interpretation of my and the child's meaning of silent nonverbal communication in the playroom. Through observations, supervision, reviewing images of the child's work and my own process and holding the unknown at the centre of our shared experience, I could identify and synthesise the child's work into themes and use reflection and reflexivity to gain insights into the shared phenomenon. The child used those play mediums and symbols to explore and make sense of their trauma and family dynamics, which are, in general, difficult to articulate verbally and in the course of attending Play Therapy, the child became more confident, relaxed, self-aware and validating of themselves. However, that empowerment may not be solely due to the therapeutic intervention. Moreover, considering the unknown factor of hermeneutic phenomenology, cultural differences and day-to-day circumstances, my interpretations of the phenomenon and the child's work may have a different meaning than the child's meaning-making.Item 'Going Off on One' - Nomadic-SchizoAdventures in the Playroom and Beyond(2024) Unknown authorAccompanying animations are available at: https://youtu.be/dVb-y-LcLX4 and https://youtu.be/jZ673ZjfMTo?feature=shared .Item IMPACT OF BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY ON CHILDHOOD MALNUTRITION IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA(2024-02) Unknown authorThe Boko Haram insurgency has greatly impacted Northern Nigeria negatively, with children suffering a significant amount of health burden as a result, especially in terms of nutrition. Available evidence suggests that malnutrition is a major factor responsible for childhood morbidity and mortality. This dissertation critically explores the link between the Boko Haram insurgency and childhood malnutrition in Northeast Nigeria by thoroughly reviewing existing works of literature and analyzing thematically the prevalence of childhood malnutrition in Northeast Nigeria, the pathway between the Boko Haram insurgency and childhood malnutrition, and providing recommendations to curb the identified challenges. Findings confirm that there is a high prevalence of childhood malnutrition in Northeast Nigeria, and the prevalence is higher when compared to other parts of the country. Also, the presence of the Boko Haram conflict, the proximity, and the duration of the experience of conflicts were found to increase the chances of childhood malnutrition. Furthermore, the poor nutritional outcome of the children was closely linked to the disruption of agriculture, illiteracy and low health awareness, displacement, loss of livelihoods, and the destabilization of the health system, which are all consequences of the Boko Haram-caused insecurity. Maternal education, empowerment, and prioritization of children in nutritional interventions are among the recommended comprehensive approaches to solving the challenge. More importantly, a permanent end to the insurgency and improved governance are long-term solutions that could bring a substantial overall reduction of malnutrition of children in Northeast Nigeria.Item EXPLORING THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS OF PAID CAREGIVERS IN SCOTLAND(2024-02-12) Unknown authorAim: The current research aims to identify the physical and mental health concerns of paid caregivers in Edinburgh, Scotland. In addition, the research would also try to understand the influence of the health concerns of the caregivers on the quality of care. Literature review: The paid caregivers are responsible for providing the necessary care and helping the care recipients in their daily activities. Sometimes due to increasing responsibilities the caregivers often face mental and physical health issues. The mental health issues are related to increasing stress and depression. The physical health concern is observed by lack of sleep or other clinical diseases. The mental health concern of the caregivers impacts the quality of the care as well as the life of the caregivers. Methodology: The methodology for the research has followed a qualitative approach. the data was collected through the primary data collection. The research has included nine participants who are paid caregivers. The nine paid caregivers were selected from one of the nursing homes in Edinburgh. The interviews were conducted in participants' comfort places such as gardens, and café. The thematic analysis has been performed. Findings: It has been found that the paid caregiver's mental health concerns affect the quality of care they are providing, the impact of the health care burden, and the paid caregivers often take short breaks from their responsibilities. Also, as a physical concern, they face sleep deprivation. In addition, they prefer to have organizational management support that would help them reduce the impact of their health concerns.Item PRESENTING THE STATE OF GOLD MINING AFFAIRS IN GHANA: A SCOPING REVIEW TO INFORM NATIONAL POLICY PRIORITIES.(2024-02-12) Unknown authorBackground: Just like any other mineral rich country, Ghana is burdened with huge economic, health, social, and environmental challenges associated with gold mining activities (GMA). Literature shows massive societal gains as the result of the gold mining industry. However, there is substantial gap in literature on the effects and impact of gold mining on community’s health and livelihood. There is also lack of clarity on the response actions being undertaken by key stakeholders such as the government, mining companies and community members to address negative effects. This review therefore presents an overview of how GMA in Ghana affects communities’ health and livelihood and describes the various response actions that stakeholders have resorted to cope, or deal with the negative effects. Methods: Comprehensive literature searches were conducted in 3 databases (PubMed, Medline, and Scopus) and additional sources of evidence sought from 2 Ghana University databases, grey literature, social media, and websites. Data was extracted and imported into Excel for screening and 33 sources of evidence were included in this review. The scoping review was conducted based on the 6-stage methodological framework by Arksey and O’Malley and JBI Manuel for Scoping Reviews synthesis. The review is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist. Results: The analysis of 33 sources of evidence highlights a growing interest in the gold mining industry, with over one-third (19) of the sources published since 2019. This review reveals the complex, non-linear effects of gold mining activities, encompassing reduced agricultural productivity, land-use conflicts, economic challenges, heightened disease burden, and potential health risks. Furthermore, it delineates the distinct roles played by gold mining corporations, the Ghanaian government, and local communities in addressing the adverse impacts of gold mining activities. Research Implication: While there exists a wealth of data on the environmental and health effects of gold mining in Ghana, much of it is derived from laboratory investigations and cross-sectional studies, with disproportionate attention placed on the activities of illegal miners (Galamsey). There are limited studies from community perspectives, so participatory research with communities is needed. The review also highlights the need for implementation research that will measure the effectiveness of interventions in improving economic livelihood, safety, and health of communities. Conclusion: Living in close proximity to gold mining companies exposes individuals and communities to various adverse effects on their health and livelihoods, even if they are not directly engaged in gold mining activities. Therefore, there is a critical need for a national shift in research, interventions, and policies to achieve an equilibrium between socioeconomic gains and health.Item The role of spousal support as a coping mechanism for pregnant women experiencing trauma during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK(2024-02-19) Unknown authorThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly damaged pregnant women’s mental health, underscoring the critical need for robust support networks. This research adopted a systematic literature review which was based on studies published between 2019 and 2024 that examine the coping mechanisms and support systems available to pregnant women in the UK at the time of the pandemic in a comparable environment, assess their efficacy, and consider the function of spouse support. Key findings from a thematic analysis of recent literature show that social isolation, fear of infection, and limitations on birth partners raised the stress, anxiety, and depression levels of expectant mothers. It was discovered that professional, social, and emotional support networks were crucial for reducing these detrimental impacts. Strong social networks, such as those with family and friends, helped people feel less stressed and anxious, while professional health services offered the assurance and care they needed. Prenatal depression and anxiety were shown to be greatly reduced in pregnant women who received supportive spouse connections and good communication. Additionally, pregnant women's difficulties were greatly alleviated by the availability of health resources, such as online support groups and mental health counselling. Enhancing maternity services, boosting social support networks, fostering partner involvement, promoting health and well-being, strengthening emotional and psychological support are just a few of the recommendations. The results provide insightful information for creating focused interventions and policies to support pregnant women during traumatic situations.Item ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP OF FOOD SECURITY, CHILD MENTAL HEALTH, AND DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL NIGERIA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW(2024-02-12) Unknown authorAims: This narrative review aims to critically examine existing literature spanning from 2013 to 2023, focusing on unravelling the intricate connections between food security, child mental health, and development in rural Nigerian settings. Methods: Employing a narrative review methodology, this study carefully selected and analysed six key studies. Diverse research designs, including cross-sectional surveys, descriptive study, and prospective study, were utilised to investigate the relationships between food security, child mental health, and development in rural Nigeria. Results/Findings: The outcomes of the selected studies illuminate multifaceted challenges faced by children in the rural areas of Nigeria. Notable disparities in food security, psychological well-being, and dietary diversity across different regions were identified. The findings underscore the urgent need for context-specific interventions and policies tailored toward addressing the unique socio-economic, geographical, and cultural factors influencing child well-being in rural Nigeria. Discussion: The discussion center on the implications of the research findings, emphasizing the pressing need for targeted interventions to address the identified challenges. It explores the complex interplay of socio-economic, geographical, and cultural factors affecting child well-being, with a focus on how these factors contribute to disparities in food security and mental health outcomes. Conclusion: In conclusion, this review should contribute with insights to the academic discourse, providing guidance for future research endeavours and informing evidence-based strategies. The urgent recommendation is the implementation of context-specific interventions and policies to enhance the overall health and development of children in rural Nigerian settings. The discussion also emphasizes the critical importance of addressing factors such as poor road networks and infrastructure in tackling the deepening food crisis. Finally, it acknowledges the alarming rate of population growth compared to food availability, the conclusion therefore emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to alleviate the impact on children, who emerge as the major victims in this complex scenario.Item ASSESSING THE MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL BURDENS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED CHILDREN IN DAMARE IDP CAMP, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA.(2024-02-12) Unknown authorChildren in North-Eastern Nigeria have endured prolonged exposure to armed conflict since 2009 due to the activities of the extremist group Boko Haram. This ongoing conflict has a direct and adverse impact on the development of children in North-Eastern Nigeria. This phenomenological study explored the mental health and psychosocial burdens experienced by internally displaced children due to the Boko Haram insurgency. Eight parents/caregivers of the Internally Displaced children from Damare IDP Camp, Adamawa State, Nigeria were interviewed. Findings revealed profound trauma, grief and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms among children who endured and witnessed extreme violence. High prevalence of flashbacks, emotional numbness, sleep troubles, and poor concentration aligned with research on mental health outcomes of terrorism and disaster exposures. Attacks also severely disrupted education, through destruction of over 1500 schools, fears undermining attendance and declining academic capacity amidst grief over dead peers. The available coping and support services within the IDP camp are minimally provided by the Government, Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and vitally, religious groups. Multiple barriers persist around affordability, transport, understaffing, stigmatization, and misconceptions about mental illness treatment. Urgent action is imperative to aid recovery and resilience among vulnerable displaced children facing lasting psychological scars. Recommendations include improving camp infrastructure, eliminating service fees, rebuilding bombed schools, equipping community workers for basic cognitive interventions, increasing mental health outreach and medication access, sponsoring accelerated learning programs, reducing stigma via collaborating with religious leaders, and advancing research on sociocultural dimensions influencing displaced children’s trauma within this context.Item Effect of Childs’ disability on mothers’ mental health in Lagos state, Nigeria(2024-02-12) Unknown authorBackground Caring for a child with a disability can be overwhelming due to the societal barriers people with disability face which makes them depend on people for daily survival, especially family members leading to increased child caregiving. In Nigeria, most parents, especially mothers, undergo various traumatic experiences figuring out what society and the future hold for their child with a disability, and this also affects their mental well-being. Methods This mixed-method research made use of primary data which was collected through the survey and interview methods. It was analyzed using descriptive statistics to get the frequency and simple percentage of the respondents’ opinions which was represented with a simple bar chat. While thematic analysis was used for the interview, the results were used to triangulate the survey findings. The analysis of the in-depth information gained in this work was guided by the bio-psychosocial model of health and the social model of disability. Results The research findings revealed that the majority of the mothers are stigmatized by their Childs’ disability which puts them away from social engagements like parties, religious centers, and family functions. The findings further revealed that increased parenting stress, loss of hope and social connectedness, and increased family dysfunction were also the effects of child’s disability on the mother’s mental health. Conclusion The areas of effects identified by the research have shown the areas where progress, practice, and policy are needed to help these mothers achieve positive mental health, and also regular engagement with and support to the mothers will lead to improved health outcomes.Item EXPLORING THE EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF DELAYED JUSTICE DELIVERY ON LAWYERS AND LITIGANTS IN THE NIGERIAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM(2024-02-12) Unknown authorBackground: In Nigeria, individuals navigating the legal system often endure an average waiting period of 22 years for case resolution, far exceeding Western standards. These prolonged delays inflict significant economic, relational, health, and psychological burdens on litigants and lawyers, deteriorating their quality of life. However, scant evidence exists documenting these impacts, hindering efforts to enhance support for justice system participants. This study aims to extract themes from existing literature regarding the mental health repercussions of delayed justice and assess the influence of financial pressures and coping mechanisms on stressors. Method: A desk study was conducted, primarily through a Literature Review incorporating 22 studies sourced from Google Scholar and Scopus databases. Various literature sources were examined to establish a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Results: Findings reveal that delayed justice delivery profoundly affects the mental health and psychological well-being of legal practitioners and litigants, particularly exacerbating severe anxiety. The high financial costs associated with prolonged legal processes directly contribute to heightened stress levels among litigants. Coping strategies employed by lawyers and litigants vary, ranging from seeking social support to engaging in self-care practices. Conclusion: Urgent attention is required for further research to comprehensively explore the multifaceted impacts of delayed justice delivery. Practitioners and policymakers must prioritize mental health interventions within the Nigerian legal system and enact supportive policies to alleviate the adverse effects of protracted legal proceedings. Additionally, future research efforts should encompass primary data collection to provide firsthand insights into the experiences of those affected by delayed justice delivery.