Visual Methods for Qualitative Research with Older Refugees: Reflection on Strengths and Drawbacks

Although older refugees have similar characteristics and vulnerabilities as other populations that have benefited from visual research methods, there is scarce evidence of these methods being used for qualitative social work studies with older refugees. In this article, we discuss the application of visual methods for social work research with older refugees for a better understanding of their experiences and challenges, highlighting how it can be evocative, improve discussions by reaching senses that ordinary interviews cannot grasp, avoid re-traumatisation during research, and build resilience and coping in older refugees. We propose that visual methods could address power dynamics that privilege researchers over participants like older refugees, thus empowering and ensuring older refugees control research processes. This can be crystallised by using visual methods in participatory research. We also outline the drawbacks and concerns of using these methods for research with this population. We conclude by presenting a discourse on how visual methods can advance social work knowledge for practice and social change

Social Networks and Support to Older People in Refugee Situation in Western Countries

Background: Forced migration of humans as a result of conflict continues to be a global problem. Many of the refugees displaced and made vulnerable by conflict induced forced migration are older adults. These older adults may lose their social networks and support as a result of the conflicts leading to migration and be unable to recreate them, making them more vulnerable. This review aims to describe the social network and support situation of older adults in refugee situation as presented in global literature. Methods/Design: The five steps of Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework to search multiple databases from inception till June 2021 will be followed. MeSH terms and keywords, e.g., “older refugees”, “refugees”, and “social network”, “social support”, will be adopted for the following databases: SocINDEX, PsychINFO, Social Work Abstracts, Sociology Abstracts, Social Services Abstracts, Web of Science and/or Scopus, Canadian electronic library. Citations will be screened (title/abstract and full text) using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will be used to describe the process of data inclusion and exclusion. Discussion: This review will reveal gaps in the provision of social support to older refugees and inform policy development for the improvement of support to older refugees

Exploration of Loneliness Among Black Older Adults

Background: Loneliness is a public and social issue affecting older adults, but in varying degrees across ethnic groups. Black older adults (BOAs) are more prone to loneliness because they have unique and accumulated factors (e.g., low socioeconomic status, high number of chronic conditions) that predispose them to loneliness. This review aims to describe the extent and the nature of research activities on loneliness and identify the contributory factors to loneliness among BOAs as presented in the global literature. Methods/Design: We will follow the five steps of Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework to search multiple databases from inception till June 2021. MeSH terms and keywords, e.g., “older adults,” “blacks,” and “loneliness,” will be adopted for several databases, including CINHAL, Ageline, PsychINFO, Cochrane Central Registers of Control Trials, PubMed, Web of Science, Social Science Abstract. Multiple reviewers will independently screen citations (title/abstract and full text) and extract data using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. “Best fit” framework synthesis using the six social provisions of Weiss’ framework as a priori themes will guide the data analysis.  Discussion: This review will inform policy development around contributory factors for loneliness among BOAs and the most relevant issues on loneliness related to BOAs

Seasonal change and COVID-19: Will the harmattan season lead to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Nigeria?

The harmattan season, which is a period characterized by low temperature, dry air and increased air pollution leads to widespread airborne disease and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, should be recognized as a period of potential risk of high COVID-19 infection rates. This period also coincides with the Christmas season which comes with so many festivities and can become a COVID-19 super-spreader. With many Nigerians now abandoning the non-pharmaceutical protection measures against COVID-19, the harmattan season and the forthcoming spike in social gatherings might usher in the second wave of the virus which can potentially be more catastrophic. There is need for the Nigerian government to start planning and instituting new protection measures and guidelines for safe Christmas celebration while also educating and encouraging the populace to adopt the protection measures recommended by experts

Nigeria demographic report: the effect of overpopulation on life expectancy

Background: Nigeria is considered the most populous country in Africa with an estimated population of 181 million and a median age of 17.9. Nigeria’s young population indicates that fertility rate may keep increasing with the total population increasing exponentially. However, life expectancy in Nigeria is very low accompanied by high mortality rate.Data Source and methods: This study aimed at analysing Nigeria’s demographic data and presenting how Nigeria’s overpopulation is contributing to its low life expectancy. Secondary quantitative data from United Nations Population Division was analysed for the study.Results: Findings showed increasing population growth from 108,011,465 recorded in 1995 to 200,963,599 recorded in 2020, high fertility, high mortality rate and low life expectancy at 53 years.Conclusion: The study made recommendations on policies to regulate Nigeria’s population growth and increase life expectancy of the country.