ABSTRACT The main purpose of the study was to collect baseline data on psycho-social factors affecting utilization of VCT services amongst the 15 to 49 year old people in Windhoek. A cross sectional exploratory study design was utilized and the study generated baseline data using quantitative methods. Data were collected from 200 respondents using a standard structured questionnaire that was administered face to face by the researcher and two assistants. The sample design for the household s...
ABSTRACT This study focused on the effects of shebeens in the society, particularly within the Greenwell Matongo residential area. Its overall aim was to explore the community members’ perceptions towards the effects of shebeens, thus it investigated their views and experiences around the signing of shebeen consent letters, and the shebeen monitoring system. A qualitative research approach was employed, and, a phenomenological design was used. Data were collected through a semi-structured ...
ABSTRACT The aged population is fast increasing and the growth rate is relatively high in developing countries. Majority of elderly persons are cared for by family caregivers, hence knowledge on elderly abuse, as they are cared for by family caregivers is significant, since abuse is a pervasive public health issue and may significantly add to the health, social and financial strains of elderly persons. Knowledge on elderly abuse will help individuals to better care for elderly persons and als...
ABSTRACT Despite an increase in the number of individuals affected by mental illness, mental health facilities in Ghana are few and ill resourced, leading to stress on the few facilitates available. Alternatively, community-based care is being proposed by Ghana‟s Mental Health sector to reduce stress on mental health facilities. Societal attitudes and perceptions towards mental illness and mental health, however, affect the effectiveness of community -based care. The main goal of this study...
ABSTRACT Elderly persons aged sixty years and above frequently find themselves in a situation that makes some of them less active within the society. Traditionally, because African societies emphasised communal living and reciprocity among family members, the provision of elderly care has been an ageless phenomenon. However, disintegration of the family support system and the inability of the public and the private sectors to adequately address the diverse social problems of the elderly, have...
ABSTRACT This study explored the experiences of released juvenile offenders in Accra and was underpinned by Lazarus and Folkman‘s Transactional Model of Stress, Appraisal, and Coping. The study sought to find out (1) what challenges do release juvenile offenders in Accra encounter. (2) the factors that contribute to challenges faced by released juvenile offenders in Accra and (3) the coping strategies employed by released juvenile offenders in Accra to deal with challenges they experience....
ABSTRACT Given the rising number of deportees in Africa and Ghana in particular, this study explored the challenges and coping strategies among deportees in the Nkoranza Municipality in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The objectives of the study were to (a) find out why deportees in Nkoranza returned to Ghana (b) investigate the challenges faced by deportees (c) identify the coping strategies adopted by deportees and (d) ascertain the support services that are available for deportees. Using...
With the promulgation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1989, children are now recognised as active actors and subjects of human rights. The UNCRC mandates all Signatory States to educate their citizenry, including children about children's rights. Ghana is on record for being the first country to ratify the UNCRC and has since harmonised its national laws with the UNCRC. Yet, little is known about the extent to which children in Ghana know about thei...
Although intimate partner violence has been in existence for decades, it is a social problem because it violates human rights in many countries including Ghana. Hence, this study explored the experiences of intimate partner violence among migrant female head porters in Kumasi. The objectives of the study were to (a) explore the forms of intimate partner violence experienced by migrant female head porters, (b) identify the factors that contribute to intimate partner violence among migrant...
Informal caregivers remain a backbone to elderly caregiving in Ghana. Their experiences during caregiving have not gained much attention among scholars. The goal of the study was to explore the experiences of informal caregivers of the elderly in Anum-Boso. This will help equip stakeholders to design helpful interventions regarding informal caregiving and the actors within the caregiving relationship. The study adopted a qualitative approach with specific emphasis on phenomenology. The a...
ABSTRACT Globally, the issue of cleft lip and/or palate is a growing concern in many developed and developing countries. This study explored the experiences of caregivers of children with cleft lip and/or palate receiving treatment at the Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Center of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The objectives of the study were to (a) explore caregivers’ beliefs about the causes of cleft lip and/or palate (b) identify the challen...
ABSTRACT The study explored the issue of ageing and chronic diseases by looking at the types of chronic diseases, contributing factors, challenges and coping strategies of the elderly. The elderly are among the groups most vulnerable to chronic disease worldwide. The prevalence and associated risk factors for these chronic diseases have been observed to have increased over time in Ghana, including Akim Oda. The views and opinions of 19 elderly persons between the ages of 60 and 90 years recei...
ABSTRACT Teenage girls from northern Ghana, independently migrate to the urban centres of the south to seek economic opportunities. Most of these teenage girls end up living on the streets of the urban centres they migrate to and often are at risk of sexual abuse. The prevalence of pregnancy and childbearing is increasing among these girls. However, little is known about the experiences and challenges of these teenage girls during pregnancy and post-delivery. This study, examined the lived ex...
ABSTRACT Despite provisions to uphold and safeguard the rights of persons with disability in Ghana, there is evidence that they still encounter several challenges which limit their full and effective involvement in mainstream society, including the gold mining sector. The study sought to explore how persons with physical disability (PWPDs) experience gold mining in the Obuasi Municipal Area. A qualitative research design was used to discover and to understand the experiences of PWPDs regard...
ABSTRACT Access to quality and timely healthcare is essential to the health and well-being of all individuals with no exception to persons with physical disability. However, people in developing countries tend to have less access to healthcare than those in developed countries, with Ghana not being an exception. The issue of inadequate healthcare services at health facilities and the absence of disability friendly environment have made it difficult for persons with physical disability to acc...