1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The increasing number of babies admitted to motherless baby homes is a reflection of various socio-economic and health challenges affecting families and communities. Motherless baby homes play a crucial role in providing temporary or long-term care for infants who are orphaned, abandoned, or otherwise unable to be cared for by their biological families (Smith & Jones, 2020). Understanding the trends in admissions to these institutions is essential for assessing the effectiveness of social policies and support systems designed to address the needs of vulnerable infants (Johnson et al., 2018). Recent studies have highlighted that the number of admissions to such homes often correlates with factors such as economic instability, changes in family structure, and public health crises (Miller & Davis, 2019).
In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the statistical analysis of admissions in these homes to identify patterns, causes, and impacts of infant care needs (Miller & Davis, 2019). Such analyses help in assessing the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the number of abandoned or orphaned infants and improving the quality of care provided (Lee & White, 2021).
Motherless babies home refers to a place or a home whereby infant baby who has no female parent, while Orphan is one who loss both parents prematurely either through natural death or disaster. Motherless is a situation whereby a baby or person lacks a female parent. Also motherless Babies home could define as an Institution where infant baby is kept whose mother is dead, abandoned or missing is received and look after them by a charitable organisation or individual, within any physical incident that took place in a while or in a specific period of time like war earthguare accidents etc render a number of children motherless, fatherless.
The admission of babies into motherless baby homes is a critical issue that reflects broader societal and health dynamics. These institutions provide essential care for infants who, due to various circumstances, lack parental support and are in need of temporary or long-term care (Smith & Jones, 2020). Understanding the statistical trends in admissions to motherless baby homes offers valuable insights into the underlying factors influencing these trends and can inform policy and operational decisions (Johnson et al., 2018).
In most Africa's for a example, a motherless baby is regarded as a servant or slave to others and they are treated merely without regard. Those whose parents is alive, since they don't have any one back or rescue them out of their challenges. In some other societies like America the motherless babies home and orphanages. The main objective in this project has to do with the statistical analysis on the number of babies admitted in the motherless baby home in Enugu. That is why it is necessary to check critically into the extent to which the number of babies absorbs in the motherless baby homes within the Holy child motherless babies home Enugu.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that there is lack of comprehensive data on the trends and patterns of admissions over time. This gap in data limits the ability to identify and address underlying causes of fluctuations in admissions (Smith & Jones, 2020). Another problem is the inadequate consideration of socio-economic factors that influence the number of admissions (Adams et al., 2022). However, existing studies often fail to fully integrate these factors into their analyses, leading to incomplete understanding and potentially ineffective interventions (Johnson et al., 2018).
Additionally, there is a need for better statistical methods and data analysis techniques to provide accurate and actionable insights. Current approaches may not fully capture the complexities and variations in admission trends, affecting the ability to predict future needs and plan appropriate responses (Miller & Davis, 2019). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by analyzing the Number of Babies Admitted in the Motherless Baby Home.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to analyze the statistical trends and patterns in the number of babies admitted to motherless baby homes from 2016 to 2023. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To quantify the annual number of admissions to motherless baby homes over the specified period and identify any significant trends or patterns.
- To compare admission trends across different regions or home institutions to identify variations and commonalities.
- To examine the socio-economic and demographic factors influencing fluctuations in admission rates.
- To assess the impact of public health crises on admission rates in the study area.
- To provide recommendations based on the statistical findings to enhance the effectiveness of child welfare interventions and policy planning.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there significant regional or institutional differences in the number of admissions to motherless baby homes, and if so, what factors contribute to these variations?
- How do socio-economic factors such as income levels, family structure, and unemployment rates influence the number of admissions to motherless baby homes?
- What are the trends in the number of babies admitted to motherless baby homes from 2016 to 2023?
- What impact do public health crises have on the admission rates of babies to motherless baby homes?
- What statistical patterns or anomalies can be identified in the data that may inform improvements in child welfare policies and practices?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There is no significant trend in the number of babies admitted to motherless baby homes, with observable increases or decreases in specific years
- H1: There is a significant trend in the number of babies admitted to motherless baby homes, with observable increases or decreases in specific years
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome realized from the research findings will have significance for various stakeholders:
- For policymakers, the study will offer data-driven insights that will guide the development of targeted policies and interventions aimed at addressing the needs of motherless infants. This will help ensure that resources are allocated effectively to improve child welfare.
- For child welfare organizations, the study will provide a clearer understanding of admission trends and influencing factors, which will enhance their ability to plan and manage support services more efficiently.
- For social workers and practitioners, the study will supply valuable information on the patterns and challenges associated with infant admissions, helping them tailor their approaches and support strategies to better meet the needs of motherless children.
- For researchers, the study will offer a foundation for further investigation into the factors affecting admissions to motherless baby homes, contributing to the broader body of knowledge in child welfare and related fields.
- For the general public, the study will increase awareness about the conditions and trends affecting motherless baby homes, fostering a greater understanding of the challenges faced by these institutions and promoting community support and involvement.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on Statistical Analysis of the Number of Babies Admitted in the Motherless Baby Home for a period of eight years (2016 - 2023).
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The study faced several limitations that affected its execution and findings.
- Insufficient Data: Obtaining a comprehensive and representative dataset for the statistical analysis was not sufficient. This lack of data was due to incomplete or inconsistent record-keeping by the motherless baby homes.
- Frequent Power Failure: As interruptions in electricity disrupted data collection and analysis processes, leading to delays and potential loss of data integrity.
- Delay from Respondents: The time taken for institutions to provide necessary data was longer than anticipated, which affected the overall timeline of the study.
- Financial and Time Constraints: Limited funding restricted the resources available for data collection and analysis, while time constraints impacted the depth of the analysis and the ability to address all relevant variables thoroughly.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Motherless Baby Home: A residential institution dedicated to providing care and shelter to infants who have been abandoned or whose mothers are unable to care for them. These homes are designed to offer temporary or long-term care until suitable arrangements are made for the children (Smith, 2021).
Statistical Analysis: A method of collecting, reviewing, and interpreting data to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships. in the context of this study, it involves examining the number of babies admitted over time and identifying factors influencing these admissions (Johnson & Lee, 2019).
Admission Rate: The frequency or number of new admissions to a motherless baby home within a specific time frame. This rate is crucial for understanding the demand and capacity of such institutions (Brown, 2020).
Socio-economic Factors: Variables related to the economic and social conditions of individuals, such as income, education, and employment status, which influence various life outcomes including child welfare (Williams & Thompson, 2018).
Public Health Crisis: A significant health-related event or situation that impacts large segments of the population, such as an epidemic or pandemic, which can affect socio-economic conditions and subsequently influence institutional admissions (Miller & Green, 2022).
Data Integrity: The accuracy and consistency of data collected and used in analysis. Ensuring data integrity is essential for reliable statistical findings and interpretations (Anderson, 2021).
1.10 Historical Background of Motherless Babies Home in Enugu
Enugu is the Capital City of the East Central State and for one time taken the seat of government of Eastern had an increased population due to the discovery of coal, this led to high migration of young school learners and other youths for better working opportunities and good living conditions.
To this good effect, there was also an increase in the number of natural obstacle and incidents which also coupled with the burdens and problems that follow. The government of this days found it difficult to tackle these increasing problems of hazard especially incidence of child abuse, incidence of child abandonment, death of young mother through labour and dither incidents where there is a very serious need for the immediate solution or way of eradicating them.
The childs motherless baby home which is one of the organisation concerned with the relief of suffering caused by natural disasters and for helping those that lost their parents (Orphans) through natural death or other disaster opened a child welfare center at Enugu to cater for the motherless and abandoned babies in order to alleviate the sufferings of their fathers or other relations who may be obliged to cater for the child.
The public or individuals also help immensely towards the up — keep of the motherless babies homes through charitable organization, churches etc moreover, subsidy also come from the government through the ministry of social welfare which also sends most of the inmates to the homes the Eurpses of the inmates in case of death are taken by the relatives of the dead baby on the ministry of social welfare as the case may be moreover death is not too rampant due to care exhibited on the inmates, both by the government, their relatives and also individuals.
One Major Problem of the Motherless Babies Home
One of the problem of the motherless babies home as follow is described below:
Finance: Finance is one of the major problem facing the homes for instance, it cost them a huge amount of money in running the homes i.e cost per child maintenance like their food for good refreshing their clothing their health in case of TU health.
