Controversies in preparing for end-of-life in Nsukka town of Nigeria and suggestions for Nigerian based social work practice

Authors

  • Uju Patricia Agbawodikeizu Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Uju Patricia Agbawodikeizu Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Prince Chiemeka Agwu Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Uzoma Okoye Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Uzoma Okoye Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Ijeoma Igwe Department of Sociology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Ijeoma Igwe Department of Sociology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v20i2.1140

Abstract

Death is regarded as a natural phenomenon of life, but its consequences for the bereaved are often times very bitter. One way to circumvent this bitter experience is through making plans before dying. However, not everyone seems to appreciate this, which has generated lots of controversies. Thus, end-of-life planning attitude among adult residents in one of Nigeria’s Igbo area was examined using cross-sectional survey. Data was collected from 587 adults and also analyzed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative tools. Age, level of education, marital status and sex were shown to have statistically significant relationships with attitude toward end-of-life planning, while cultural beliefs were discovered to also exercise overbearing influence. The study further discovered some cultural practices that deter people from planning for end-of-life and therefore advocates for social protection and reorientation which should principally involve social workers. Suggestions were made for introduction of end-of-life planning education in the curriculum of institutions of secondary and tertiary learning in Nigeria, as a measure to help reform attitudes of persons toward preparing for end-of-life in future. 

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Published

2019-11-03

How to Cite

Agbawodikeizu, U. P., Agbawodikeizu, U. P., Agwu, P. C., Okoye, U., Okoye, U., Igwe, I., & Igwe, I. (2019). Controversies in preparing for end-of-life in Nsukka town of Nigeria and suggestions for Nigerian based social work practice. Social Work and Social Sciences Review, 20(2), 95-112. https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v20i2.1140

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Section

Articles
Received 2018-03-30
Accepted 2019-09-19
Published 2019-11-03