School of Social Work

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An Assessment of Corporate Social Responsibility Practices and Impacts on Community Development: A Case Study of the Ardaiyta Government-Owned Farm
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Aderajaw Biwota; Ashenafi Hagos
This study examines the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on community development at Ardaiyta Seed Multiplication Farm in Ethiopia, from the perspective of local communities. The research was guided by five objectives: to assess CSR initiatives, evaluate their impact on community development, explore community perceptions, identify implementation challenges, and analyze stakeholder participation. A qualitative case study design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 participants, three focus group discussions involving 18 community members, and document review. Participants included farmers, women, youth, beneficiaries, local officials, and farm representatives. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings indicate that the farm implements various CSR activities, including agricultural support, employment creation, infrastructure development, education support, and social services. These initiatives contributed to improved agricultural productivity, enhanced livelihoods, and better access to services. However, the study identified major limitations: absence of a formal CSR policy, weak integration into core operations, limited community participation, exclusion of vulnerable groups, lack of capacity-building programs, unequal access to resources such as water, and unresolved land disputes. CSR practices were largely informal and dependent on managerial discretion. The study concludes that while CSR initiatives have positive effects, they are not transformative due to their ad hoc and non-strategic nature. To enhance effectiveness, CSR should be strategic, inclusive, participatory, and sustainable. Recommendations include developing a formal CSR policy, strengthening community participation mechanisms, targeting vulnerable groups, implementing farmer training programs, improving resource distribution, resolving land conflicts, and establishing monitoring and evaluation systems.
Consequences and Coping Mechanisms of Child Sexual Abuse: The Case of Children Supported by Integrated Family Service Organization (IFSO) in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-05-01) Alemayehu Gebreab; Emebet Mulugeta
This study assessed the consequence and coping mechanisms of child sexual abuse participants from Integrated Family Service Organization in Addis Ababa. Child sexual abuse resulted in critical and wide-ranged consequences that affect the psychological, social, health, economic and educational well-being of children and caregivers. The study utilized a case study design using in-depth and key-informant interview with 12 purposively selected respondents of which eight were survivor and corresponding caregivers and four professional working in IFSO. The findings of participants’ interview and key-informants showed that survivor and caregivers experienced multifaceted problems including anxiety, emotional instabilities, fear, stigma, low self-esteem, discrimination, physical health complication, interrupted education, and severe financial strains. In response to these challenges, children and parents employed different coping mechanisms, including counselling, religious practice, family and community support, medical and isolation, that consequence with positive and harmful outcomes. In conclusion, child sexual abuse resulted with wide-range of psychological, social, health, economic and educational effects, whereas alternative coping strategies utilized by children and their caregivers that bring the recovery and resilience out comes. Social workers, counselors, and outreach professionals at institutions such as IFSO and similar child protection organizations and other stakeholders in Addis Ababa strengthen the provision of integrated and comprehensive intervention at the individual, family and community levels. Keywords: Child Sexual Abuse, Effects of Abuse, Coping Mechanisms, Child Protection
Challenges and Opportunities in the Sustainable Reintegration of Ethiopian Returnees from Europe
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Beline Berhe; Ashenafi Hagos
This study investigates the multidimensional challenges of reintegration among Ethiopian returnees from Europe, focusing specifically on economic, social, and psychosocial dimensions in Addis Ababa. Employing a convergent mixed-methods research design, quantitative data were gathered from a total population of 847 registered returnees using stratified random sampling, yielding a sample of 385 respondents using Cochran's Formula with Finite Population Correction. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 30 returnees and 5 key informants from relevant institutions. The findings reveal that reintegration is severely challenging across all dimensions; however, economic reintegration is the most critical barrier, driven by persistent unemployment, unsustainable migration debt, and the absence of skill-utilization opportunities. Social stigmatization associated with "failed migration" substantially hinders social reintegration, while psychosocial recovery is impeded by unresolved trauma, emotional distress, and a fractured sense of identity and belonging. Return voluntariness, resources accumulated abroad, and quality institutional support emerge as the most significant predictors of positive reintegration outcomes across all three dimensions. Keywords: Return migration, reintegration, mixed methods, Quantitative, Qualitative
The Contributions of Iddirs for Social Services and Local Community Development. The Case of Shegole Meda Iddir in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-10-01) Derartu Merga; Wassie Kebede
The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of Iddirs to social services and local community development. This study employed qualitative research method and both primary and secondary data sources were gathered. I selected participants from Iddir leaders and members. In-depth interviews were made with Iddir leaders and members. In addition, key informant interviews were made with Addis Ababa City Gulale Sub-city Woreda 10 Administration Social Affairs leaders and experts. Separate interview checklists were developed to gather primary data from Iddir members, Iddir leaders, and government leaders and experts. In addition, different documents including Iddir by-law meeting minutes and other development and social service-related documents were reviewed. Data analysis followed two steps. The first step was the data collection and it was followed by transcription and thorough thinking about the data. Coding was the next step/process performed in the process of data and it was followed by developing themes and sub-themes. The result of this study reveals that the various implemented by Shegole Meda Iddir include provision of social services, engaging in the local community development activities, and responding to newly emerging community problems. Moreover, this study shows the existence inclusive gender participation in the Iddir leadership. Furthermore, the findings of this study shows the major activities carried out by Shegole Meda Iddir like the provision of social support and engagement in local community development activities. On the other hand, the result of this study indicates the newly proclaimed property tax was the great challenge for Shegole Meda Iddir. Hence, findings of this study will have significant implication for Social Work practice to emphasize Community Based Organizations specifically Iddir to address the emerging service and development needs of the local community Keywords:- Iddirs, Social Services,Local Community Development
Socioeconomic and Psychological Experiences of educated unemployed youth; in the case of Adama city, Abaa Gadaa Sub-City
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-10-01) Fedasa Nigussie; Firehiwot Jabbessa
Youth unemployed is one of the most domains challenge in urban Ethiopian socially, economically and psychologically. This study was conducted in Aba Geda city of Adama city to assess socioeconomic and psychological experience of graduate unemployed youth. The study aim to conduct on that investigates of socioeconomic and psychological experiences of educated unemployed youth. The study employed qualitative research approach because the study will assess the socioeconomic and psychological experiences of educated unemployed. Descriptive phenomenological research was employed. Interview, focus group discussion, observation and document review were employed as data collection tools. To collect data from the youth, Heterogeneous purposive and accidental sampling technique we used to collect data from the youth. Among the research participants, 15 youth engaged in in-depth interview while eight youth had part in focus group discussion. The graduated in diploma and bachelor degree and not secured any job since their graduation at least for one year as inclusion criteria. The result of the study reveals that graduate unemployed youth faced socio-economic and psychological challenges due to long-term unemployment. The result of the study also reveals that unemployed youth are more probably exposed to participate in social crisis such as illegal migration, addiction, and crime and deprived from social attitudes as lazy in searching job as well as burden on family the study also reveals that graduate youth exposed to burden on family income, not contribute their knowledge and skills to their country development; couldn’t return educational investment by family and government. Graduate unemployed exposed youth to depression, loss of self-esteem, loss of identity psychologically and emotionally. Therefore, the Aba Geda Subcity should have to work with job creation office to assess job potential that accommodate many graduate youth as well as facilitate mind set training for youth to create their own jobs.
Socioeconomic and Psychological Experiences of educated unemployed youth; in the case of Adama city, Aba Geda sub-city
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-10-01) Fedasa Nigussie; Firehiwot Jabbessa
Youth unemployed is one of the most domains challenge in urban Ethiopian socially, economically and psychologically. This study was conducted in Aba Geda city of Adama city to assess socioeconomic and psychological experience of graduate unemployed youth. The study aim to conduct on that investigates of socioeconomic and psychological experiences of educated unemployed youth. The study employed qualitative research approach because the study will assess the socioeconomic and psychological experiences of educated unemployed. Descriptive phenomenological research was employed. Interview, focus group discussion, observation and document review were employed as data collection tools. To collect data from the youth, Heterogeneous purposive and accidental sampling technique we used to collect data from the youth. Among the research participants, 15 youth engaged in in-depth interview while eight youth had part in focus group discussion. The graduated in diploma and bachelor degree and not secured any job since their graduation at least for one year as inclusion criteria. The result of the study reveals that graduate unemployed youth faced socio-economic and psychological challenges due to long-term unemployment. The result of the study also reveals that unemployed youth are more probably exposed to participate in social crisis such as illegal migration, addiction, and crime and deprived from social attitudes as lazy in searching job as well as burden on family the study also reveals that graduate youth exposed to burden on family income, not contribute their knowledge and skills to their country development; couldn’t return educational investment by family and government. Graduate unemployed exposed youth to depression, loss of self-esteem, loss of identity psychologically and emotionally. Therefore, the Aba Geda Subcity should have to work with job creation office to assess job potential that accommodate many graduate youth as well as facilitate mind set training for youth to create their own jobs.
Economic interaction between Urban Eritrean Refugees and Host Community in Addis Ababa: Case Study from Bole Sub-city
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2024-10-01) Tinbit Esayas; Adamnesh A. Bogale
This study examined the economic interaction between the Eritrean refugees and the host community within Bole Sub city of Addis Ababa, focusing on both the challenges and opportunities arising from these interactions. Being a cosmopolitan city, there are many Eritrean refugees residing in and around Addis Ababa who are actively participating in informal sectors such as working as hairdressers, in services and small businesses that assists the local community and refugees themselves. The study was qualitative and included techniques such as in-depth interviews of the refugees and members of the host communities as well as key informants from the service providers drew insights into the many ways that refugees are integrated into the urban economy. The results indicate that, many Eritrean refugees demonstrate resilience through skillful employment yet, there are some sections of the host community who appreciate the presence of the refugees. Others hold contradictory opinions such as about competition for jobs and other resources. The study also addresses the issues of restricted access to financial services such as bank and credit facilities by refugees due to legal and institutional barriers such as work permits and formal identification documents. Nonetheless, this research was able to pinpoint some of the coping mechanisms that the refugees employ to overcome such challenges, including the establishment of informal networks with host community members, as well as the employment of community networks for resource mobilization.
Socio-Economic Effects of Urban Displacement: A Case Study of the Addis Ababa Corridor Development Project in Piassa
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-11-01) Selam Shewangizaw; Zena Berhanu
This study examines the socio-economic, psychological, and environmental impacts of urban displacement on residents relocated from the Piassa area due to the Addis Ababa Corridor Development Project. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating qualitative data from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with quantitative survey findings to understand the challenges faced by displaced populations. The results revealed severe livelihood disruptions, inadequate access to basic services, poor housing conditions, and deep emotional distress. Economically, participants experienced income loss, insufficient compensation, and limited employment opportunities. Socially, they encountered isolation, alienation, and exclusion within host communities, emphasizing the need for stronger social cohesion policies. Health and well-being were further compromised by the lack of infrastructure and accessibility barriers to healthcare, education, water, and sanitation. The new settlements were overcrowded, poorly constructed, and lacked essential utilities, intensifying hardship. Psychologically, participants reported grief, anxiety, and depression, worsened by the absence of mental health support. Overall, perceptions of the displacement process were negative, citing inadequate transparency, limited participation, and inequitable compensation. The study concludes by recommending the restoration of livelihoods, development of key infrastructure, enforcement of housing standards, provision of comprehensive mental health services, and promotion of sociocultural integration. Transparent and inclusive governance is emphasized as vital for achieving equitable and humane urban development.
The Contribution of Spirituality to Rehabilitate Substance Users:- the Case of Paitents Who Recives Treatment at Rebuni Medium Clinic
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-11-01) Yonas Tatek; Mengistu Legesse
Recent studies have emphasized the importance of spirituality in the rehabilitating substance users, highlighting the need of further exploration on how to effectively integrate spirituality into substance use treatment. This qualitative study aims to examine the contribution of spirituality on the recovery of substance user patients at Rebuni Medium Clinic. The research involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with seven substance user patients and three professionals to investigate their experiences during recovery process, with a specific focus on the contribution of spirituality. Thematic data analysis was utilized to analyze the data, and the influence of spirituality on their recovery process. The findings indicate that substance use have negative impact on their health, education and social life and spirituality considered as crucial element for recovery, and have large positive impact on rehabilitating from substance use. Furthermore the study explored that even if the practice of integrating spirituality conducted by certain individuals, it gives hope, motivation and strength for patients in their recovery journey. However, the study also identified barriers to effective integrating spirituality into rehabilitation practices including limited freedom for professionals to practice spirituality, institutional mandate not to apply spiritual approaches, and challenges related to contextualizing spirituality in the specific setting of the clinic. Overall, the study stress the importance of integrating spirituality into the rehabilitation of substance users as a main component of recovery, while also acknowledging the challenges that must be addressed for its successful implementation.
The Psychosocial Impacts of Urban Renewal-Induced Displacement on Resetteld People at Gurara Condominium, Woreda 02, Yeka Sub-City, in Addis Ababa
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-06-01) Yonas Abebe; Ashenafi Hagos
Urban renewal is a process of redevelopment or renovating older parts of cities and towns, including decay, inadequate infrastructure, and slum areas. Nodaway, urban renewal is an important issue and unavoidable to ensure the competences of cities with global cities. The study aims to explore the psychosocial impacts of urban renewal-induced displacement on resettledpeople in Addis Ababa, Yeka sub-city, woreda 02, at Gurara condominium. The study employed a qualitative research method with In-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and FGD to collect relevant data. Among displaced members five individuals were selected for an in-depth interview. Two focus group discussions employed, each team had six members or with a total of twelve members. Five key informants selected to get deep data. So, the data collected from 22 study participants. The primary participants of this study are displaced households selected through the purposive sampling method, who have knowledge and experiences. The results and the discussions parts of the study show that the role of government in solving the negative challenges was insignificant and in such projects community should actively participate, to alleviate the challenges. Therefore, the researcher recommended to the concerned stakeholders to improve the psychosocial impacts of relocation due to urban-renewal programs. Finally, the researcher also put crucial implications for the next researcher, for education, urban policy implementation and for affected communities.
The Post Adoption Reunion Experiences and Challenges of Emaye Adoptee’s Family Organization
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-12-01) Zerabiruk Desalegn; Debebe Ero
Post Adoption Reunion is the reconnection between adoptees and their birth families or relatives after years of separation due to the result of Adoption. This is critical for both parties to emotionally reconcile and identity questions to be resolved. This study assessed the experience and challenges of post adoption reunion at Emaye Adoptee‟s family Reunion organization. The Organization was established on May 2021, and it deals with requests of adoptees who are seeking to reunite with their birth families. It has had successes in reuniting more than eighty adoptees with their birth families that includes providing the necessary legal and psychological support while maintaining the privacy and consent of the adoptees and their birth families. Even though the organization utilizes available means of collecting as much data and information for a timely reunion between adoptees and birth families, the research has identified considerable structural, organizational, social, psychological and emotional challenges in the process of reunification. The research utilized a qualitative research method, which involved six participants selected using purposive sampling technique to explore and understand the adoptees experiences and challenges in the post adoption reunion. The research utilized both primary and secondary data relevant to the study. As for the primary data, key informant interviews and focus group discussions with adoptees who have had successful reunions with their birth families, and with those who are still awaiting to be reunited with their birth families. The key informants were especially significant for an in-depth analysis of non-numerical data to realize the works of the Organization, its success and challenges. For both forms of primary data collection, digital meetings were made possible. Key findings reveal that false documentation of the adoptees, lack of recorded files, lack of critical investigation about the adoptees document and digital misinformation have been critical challenges to conduct post adoption reunions. By bridging the theories, the study emphasizes on the role of post adoption reunion within the perspective of Emaye Organization in providing holistic services and basic access to information for the adoptees who were raised in foreign countries. The significance of this research is to bring relevant contribution to an under-researched area of social policy and family studies.
The Experience of Social Workers in Humanitarian Service Organizations, Specifically Sos Children’s Village and Selam Children’s Village in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-11-01) Meron Tadesse; Wassie Kebede
This study investigates the enduring experiences of social workers at SOS Children's Village and Selam Children's Village in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, both of which are support organizations. This study investigates the experiences of social workers inside two prominent humanitarian organizations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: SOS Children's Village and Selam Children's Village. The research study investigates the unique problems and benefits associated with the profession of humanitarian workers, including the emotional impact of their duties, the nature of the crises they face, and the resources available to them. The study investigates the strategies employed by social workers to uphold professional boundaries while engaging with at-risk persons, as well as to address ethical difficulties, stress, and fatigue. The study examines the methodologies employed to evaluate the experiences of social workers in humanitarian aid organizations through quantitative data analysis. The main results showed that social workers were under a lot of stress since they had too many cases, not enough resources, and worked with clients who were very dangerous. It makes them satisfied due to their success. Often they have a duty for deciding the priors to set. Upon fulfilling their duties in humanitarian aids, social workers need assistance & resources in order to provide their services & protect themselves. This study has the potential to enhance collaboration among social workers from different professions. This will make the organization's training, support systems, and policies better, which will make the care for families and children at risk better.
Assessment on the Ethiopian Government’s Response Against the Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease: the Case of Two Kidney Disease Treatment Centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-10-01) Mulubrhan Mesfin; Zena Berhanu
Chronic Kidney Disease has poses a prominent public health challenge worldwide, with growing occurrence and related illness and death. In Ethiopia, the problem of CKD is intensified by inadequate healthcare facilities, resource restraints, and a great occurrence of danger causes such as hypertension, diabetes, and infectious diseases. This study aims to review the Ethiopian government's response to the influence of CKD, focusing on policy frameworks, healthcare delivery systems, prevention approaches, and treatment availability. This study has applied a qualitative research approach, collecting data from key informant interviews, document analysis, and observation. This implies that the analysis of policies and programs was focused on understanding the insights, practices, and limitations related to the government's CKD response, rather than quantifying specific outcomes. The study focuses on two hospitals in Addis Ababa: Zewditu Memorial and St. Paul's Millennium Medical College Hospital, the research assesses the success of recent interferences and identifies gaps in controlling CKD. The findings highlight the need for improved healthcare strategies, enhanced public awareness, and improved capability for early finding and management of CKD. The study concludes with recommendations for a more integrated and sustainable approach to modifying the influence of CKD in Ethiopia, stressing the significance of multi-sectorial cooperation and resource utilization to meet this increasing health problems.
A Study of Indigenous Medical Practice: Utilization and Perception of the Community in Addis Ababa
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-11-01) Samuel Tassew; Mesele Mengsteab
Among inhabitants of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this study examines indigenous medical practices' use and perceptions.Many peoplestillturn to traditional medicine for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs even as urbanization and better access to contemporary healthcare expand.The studyhopes to ascertain the degree of this dependency,pinpoint the demographic, cultural, and financialdrivers of use, and assess the consequences for public health policy. Using a mixed-methods approach, 331 structured questionnaires' quantitative statistics were used for the people who utilized traditional medicine, combined with qualitative observations from interviews and focus group discussions with traditional healers and local residents. Results show that 70.4% of participants have used indigenous medicine for ailments ranging from chronic diseases to mental health problems to spiritual misfortunes. Cultural acceptability, affordability, practitioner trust, and past favorable experiences are among the main forces influencing usage. Many participants viewed conventional medicine as just as effective, or more effective, than biomedical treatments for certain conditions, yet questions about safety, the absence of regulation, and the lack of standardization remain. Among the other obstacles discovered were inadequate integration with the formal health system and limited governmental oversight. The resultsshow that indigenous medicine stillserves as a major healthcare tool in Addis Ababa, especially among underprivilegedcommunities and those with strong cultural links.The researchfinds that it is essential to formallyacknowledge,control, and integrate these behaviors into the national medical system. Policy suggestions include professional education.For healers, quality control of medicinal remedies, and promotion of cooperation between conventional and contemporarymedicalpractitioners to guarantee safety, enhance accessibility, and maintain culturally inclusive care.
The Impact of Social Media use Impact on the Mental Health of Sos Secondary School
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-06-01) Henok Negash; Mengistu Legesse
This study is highlighting the reflect the influence of social media in modern society, particularly among young people. Some kinds of social medias just like TikTok, Facebook, Telegram and other platforms gives opportunities for a kind of creating communication, connection, and to express oneself, their extensive use has raised growing concerns about negative impacts on mental health. This continues exposure to exchange information, social comparisons, and digital interactions can affect individuals’ different aspects of psychological issues. The impact of this exposure to increase depression rate, emotional distress and anxiety reported among young people, this study emphasizes the urgent need to understand how social media use relates to mental health outcomes. By exploring this relationship in the context of SOS Secondary School students, the research aims to provide insights that can inform interventions and promote healthier digital engagement.The study, titled "The Impact of Social Media Use on the Mental Health of Young people in SOS Secondary School," investigated how social media usage affects students. The objectives included exploring students’ perceptions of social media, assessing the relationship between the platform usage and mental health outcomes, and identifying differences based on platform choice. Using a quantitative design, data were collected from 297 respondents via stratified random sampling. The sample comprised 164 males and 133 females. The correlation analysis shows a negative association between the amount of time spent on social media and psychological issues outcomes. As social media usage increased in day to day activity, there is a corresponding decline in mental health, characterized by heightened anxiety, feelings of loneliness, and diminished self-esteem. This indicates that excessive engagement with social media adversely affects mental health. The ANOVA results indicated significant differences in mental health outcomes related to varying degrees of social media engagement. The analysis showed that mental health outcomes varied significantly based on students' social media involvement. These results highlight the intricate relationship between social media use and mental health, emphasizing the potential risks associated with excessive social media interaction for the mental well-being of young individuals. Exploring protective factors like supportive online communities and digital literacy may help improve well-being. Additionally, examining individual traits or coping mechanisms could provide insights into how personal differences influence the mental health effects of social me.
Exploring the role of social workers for pediatric oncology patients in case of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH).
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-06-01) Lielteweyn Shibeshi; Commander Demelash Kassaye and Emebet Mulugeta
Social workers play important role in health centers like Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital by addressing the complex needs of pediatric cancer patients on their emotional, financial, and psychosocial support. The study focused on the roles, interventions, of social workers on pediatric oncology patients and their families at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). The research attempts to investigate social work practices in the pediatric oncology unit using a qualitative case study approach. The data gathered from social workers, medical experts and parents of children with cancer using a combination of in depth interviews, key informant interviews, and observations. The study emphasized on the impacts of social work interventions on patient care, treatment adherence, and family well being, the study used thematic analysis to find important trends and insights. In addition to highlighting the vital role social workers play in offering practical, social, financial and emotional assistance, the findings also pointed out resource related and structural issues that impede efficient service delivery. Also the research takes into account ethical principles applied like informed consent, privacy, and cultural awareness. Also this study intended to promote social work integration in Ethiopia's healthcare system by investigating social work practices in pediatric oncology at TASH. The study found that social workers at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital play key roles in supporting pediatric oncology patients and their caregivers by facing different challenges but by addressing these barriers could improve the quality and effectiveness of their support. The study underscores the need for enhanced social work education, practice, research, and policy reforms to strengthen the role of professional social workers in pediatric oncology care in Ethiopia.
Substance Use Disorder and Its Impact on Academic Performance: A Case Study of Undergraduate Students at Addis Ababa University’s Institute of Technology
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-10-01) Dawit Ayalew; Ashenafi Hagos
Introduction: World drug reports, organizational strategic plans, organizational manuals, books and previous studies, etc. indicated that substance use and its associated harmful consequences have been affecting people globally. It has become a source of socio-economic problems and even has endangered several people to premature death. It has also been highly affecting developing countries, including Ethiopia. Substance use has also become common in the education system in general and in the higher institutions in particular. Early use of substances at lower grades has even become common everywhere. This study primarily focused on assessing the presence of substance use disorder on study participants based on the criteria set by American Psychiatric Association as indicated in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 developed in 2013 and its impact on undergraduate regular students’ academic performance in the Institute of Technology at Addis Ababa University. Method: This study employed a qualitative research approach; and purposive and snow-ball sampling designs/techniques altogether because of the nature of the study to access the hard-to-reach target population (people with substance use disorder) and find out their concealed information from study participants. Taken into account the saturation concept, the sample size of this study was eight in number which was determined by using snow-ball sampling technique. Major Findings: This study revealed that study participants (the undergraduate regular students of AAiT at AAU) have been using different licit and illicit substances. All these study participants also met the DSM 5 criteria set for severe disorder. The study also identified that this substance use disorder has been adversely affecting students’ academic performance. Conclusion:, This study confirmed that study participants have been using both licit and illicit substances and hence developed substance use disorder that affected them in various ways, including students’ academic performance and students’ quality of life which calls for revisiting AAU’s existing policy, strengthening its institutional capacity, running intervention programs, and integrating the efforts of all concerned bodies to reduce adverse impacts of substance use disorder on students’ academic performance and quality of life.
Exploring the Lived Experiences of Child Domestic Workers, the Case in Woreda 01 of Kolfe Keraniyo Sub City, Addis Ababa
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-04-01) Cherinet Gizaw; Emebet Mulugeta
This research explores the lived experiences of child domestic workers in Woreda 1 of Kolfe Keranio Sub-City, Addis Ababa. It focuses on key aspects of the exposures in relation to their well-being, including livelihood, education, health, and protection concerns. The research used qualitative methodology. Accordingly, the research collected data through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) from sampled child domestic workers. A thematic analysis is method by identifying, coding and grouping themes used to analyze the data collected from Child Domestic Workers. The findings of the research showed the prevalence of challenges, including long hours (average 15.5 hours) working conditions, limited access to education, inadequate healthcare, and a lack of protection from mistreatments. These challenges are exacerbated by socio-economic vulnerabilities, reinforcing series of poverty and marginalization. Based on these insights, the research offers actionable recommendations for social work practice and other stakeholders. Key recommendations include securing funding to support intervention programs, developing targeted strategies to support child rights, and enhancing stronger integrated collaboration among governmental and non-governmental organizations. By implementing these approaches, social workers, development partners, other stakeholders and policymakers can play a critical role in vi ensuring the provision of ethical, quality interventions for child domestic workers in Ethiopia and other similar contexts around the globe. This research underscores the need for multi-sectoral efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of child domestic workers, advocating for systemic change through policy reform & enforcing the implementation of the existing policy and sustainable intervention programs.
An Assessment of the Quality and Adequacy and Challenges of Providing Basic Service to Internally Displaced Persons, in IDPs Campsites in Amhara Region: the Case of 3 Selected IDPs Camps in Debre Birhan Town
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-05-01) Demeke Getahun; Ashenafi Hagos
This study is intended to explore the role played by stakeholders in the provisions of basic services three selected IDPs camps in Debre Birhan town. The specific objectives of this study were to the quality of basic service and to identify the major challenges in the delivering quality of basic service to IDPs in the studied respect. This research employed a purposive sampling technique, which is a non-probability sampling technique where individuals are chosen for a study based on their specific characteristics, knowledge, or experiences that are relevant to the research question. For this study, a total of 17 internally displaced individuals (IDPs) who were beneficiaries of the program were selected as a key informants 10 women and 7 men, 7 key informant interviews were conducted. Out of these participants, 1 was woman and 6 were men. The researcher used primary data collection followed by in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, which include observational data collection, document review, field visits, and audio recording, which are used for efficient data analysis. The research find out the types of basic service provisions which includes food supply, medical service, water and hygiene and sanitation products are insufficient fulfill their need in addition to its poor quality. This study provides detailed information on basic service provisions for IDP inhabitants in Debre Birhan town and how their lives will improve. Also, the research provides important implications for social work education, stakeholders, policymakers, and research purposes.
Parental Migration in Urban Ethiopia: the Experiences of Children Left-Behind
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-11-01) Eliyas Taha; Ashenafi Hagos
Despite the huge flow of international labor migration, sub-Saharan Africa has not been given due consideration in the transnational family literature. There is a considerable flow of international labor migration from Ethiopia to economically prosperous countries. This study aimed to explore and understand the lived experiences and life tapestry of children left-behind by one or both parents in Addis Ababa and Adama. The constructivist paradigm was a philosophical underpinning of the study. A qualitative research approach with a phenomenological design was used to investigate this issue. The "new social studies of childhood" theory, which views children as active participants in shaping their lives and those around them, informed the study. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 participants who experienced parental migration. The findings of the study revealed that parental migration was unconcealed to have many significant effects on shaping and permeating children's lives and identities—their emotions, education, and living arrangements. Despite the children's spatiotemporal separation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was found to play a prominent role in fostering parent-child relationships. Children were also revealed to have more emotionally charged interactions with their migrant mothers than with their fathers. Parental migration also affects children's aspirations, specifically to be reunited with their migrant parent(s). This study contributes to broadening our understanding of children left-behind in Ethiopia and identifies social work services that require attention. Although there are many policies related to children in Ethiopia, in the existing policies, children left-behind need to be considered as a segment of the population that requires the most attention.

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