Department of Social Work

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Work-Life Balance Among Mothers In The Banking Sector In Accra
(University Of Ghana, 2022-08) Birago, N.
Mothers working in the corporate world tend to perform multiple roles because of work and family demands on their energy, time and resources. In Ghana, the banking sector is one of the sectors of the Ghanaian economy where the presence of women in terms of employment opportunities is visible. Many female employees start their career development as single ladies, become wives and subsequently mothers. However, little is documented about women's experiences straddling the path as mothers in banking, particularly in Accra, Ghana. This study, therefore, set out to explore the lived experiences of mothers in banking concerning the challenges they face balancing work and family roles, the strategies they adopt to cope and to document strategies and initiatives that exist in banks in support of mothers in banking in an attempt to straddle work and family roles. The study employed a qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach as the means of enquiry. Data were collected from participants through in-depth interviews. The study found mothers in banking combining work and family roles extremely stressful, particularly leaving home very early in the morning, spending long hours at work and observing unpredicted late closing hours. In addition, the study found mothers in banking profusely expressing, having no quality time with their children and family. In addition, the unreliability of the social support system, particularly the house helps are mothers in banking worse nightmare. Mothers in banking adopt coping strategies, including utilising family members as a support system, developing a skill for planning their lives and work, self-encouragement and learning to concentrate on each role at a time. Hours break for nursing mothers is a common initiative adopted by banks in support of mothers in banking. The study recommends that government develops a policy on childcare at the workplace. The study further recommends that banks introduce crèches or day care centres to support working mothers in banking.
Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: The Role Of Guidance And Counselling Program In Junior High Schools In The La Nkwantanang Madina Municipality
(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Adzei, H.A.
Over the years, the prevalence of child sexual abuse of students has been a concern to governments and stakeholders. A UNICEF (2020) report states that the prevalence rate of child sexual abuse of students around the world ranges between 15 to 25% for girls and 5 to 17% for boys. In recent years, there have been alarming concerns following an upsurge of reported cases of child sexual abuse of students within the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipality. This phenomenon has become an enormous problem for parents, teachers, and policymakers within the Municipality. Considering the above, this research explores the role of guidance and counselling in Junior High Schools established to prevent child sexual abuse in schools in the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipality. Following the ecological systems theory propounded by Urie Brofenbrenner (1979), this research explored child sexual abuse prevention based on the interconnectedness of human development and its environment. The study employed a phenomenological qualitative research design in exploring students' knowledge based on sexual abuse and guidance and counselling. In addition, the study investigated the support services available to the guidance and counselling unit, factors militating against the use of the guidance and counselling program in preventing child sexual abuse, and strategies that they adopt to prevent child sexual abuse particularly in schools. A sample size of 26 participants comprising 15 Junior High School students and 11 key informants were utilised for the study. An interview guide was designed for data collection. Using a thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke, the findings revealed that students' level of knowledge on child sexual abuse is limited to unconsented sexual activity by adults. Many of the students had little knowledge of guidance and counselling units in their various schools. The findings further revealed that the guidance and counselling program receives support from other stakeholders such as NGOs and Health Practitioners in the form of collaborations to organize sensitization programs on preventing child sexual abuse in schools. The study also identified lack of financial support, parental neglect, negative social media content on sexual and the non-allocation of guidance and counselling activities as a subject on the timetable of Junior High Schools in the La Nkwantanang Municipality as some of the factors militating against the use of guidance and counselling as a strategy of preventing child sexual abuse. The study, recommends that the Ghana Education Service directorate in the La Nkwantanang Municipality should direct schools to capture Guidance and Counselling on the timetable of schools, require in-school guidance and counselling facilitators to possess relevant professional qualifications, direct in-school guidance and counselling facilitators to have regular engagements with students, appoint school social workers to work in the guidance and counselling units of schools and overall provide the in school guidance and counselling facilitators with the financial resources and logistics to enable them provide students the requisite education in order to nib child sexual abuse in the bud among Junior High Schools in the La Nkwantanang Municipality.
Exploring The Experiences Of Caregivers And Formal Foster Parents Caring For Orphans And Vulnerable Children In The Akuapim South District
(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Allou, A.N.
Globally, caring for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) is one of the vital elements of social work practice. However, the experiences of caregivers and formal foster parents of OVC is almost a missing component in the child welfare system and research in Ghana. This study sought to: (a) find out the motivations of caregivers and formal foster parents, (b) identify the challenges faced by caregivers and formal foster parents, (c) explore the coping strategies employed by caregivers and formal foster parents and (d) ascertain the support systems available to caregivers and formal foster parents in the Akuapim South District. Adopting a qualitative research design, purposive sampling was used to recruit 26 participants for the study. The sample consisted of 16 caregivers from two residential homes, six formal foster parents and four social welfare officials from the Akuapim South’s Department of Social Welfare. In-depth interviews were utilised to gather data for the study. Using a thematic approach in analysing the data, the findings from this study showed that participants were motivated to care for as a result of religious beliefs and a sense of fulfilling social responsibilities. Both caregivers and formal foster parents indicated that managing behavioural problems of OVC was a greater challenge to them of which they resorted to punishing and dialoguing with the children. The study revealed that formal foster parents received more support from family and friends which motivates their future decision to continue caring for OVC. However, due to high organisational workload and work-family challenges, caregivers feel demotivated to continue caring for OVC. This study therefore recommends that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and social workers to provide support services and training to effectively ensure the proper wellbeing of caregivers and formal foster parents.
The Role Of Self-Help Groups in the Recovery and Social Inclusion of Persons with Neuropsychiatric Disorders in Greater Accra, Ghana.
(University of Ghana, 2020-10) Amponsah, A.
The contemporary mental health practice emphasizes the community-based approach which emphasizes Informal services, such as those provided by self-help groups (SHGs). Despite the greater need and prospects of SHGs, the mental health system in Ghana least recognizes and support them to serve as a complement to professional services. Moreover, there are very few research on SHGs in Ghana. Guided by the empowerment theory, I conducted this study to examine the contributions and effectiveness of SHGs in facilitating recovery and social inclusion of persons with neuropsychiatric disorders in Greater Accra, Ghana. The concurrent-embedded mixed methods was used to guide this study. Specifically, the static-group comparison design was used for the quantitative study, and descriptive phenomenology was used for the qualitative study. A total of 162 persons participated in the quantitative study, comprising 77 SHG members and 85 non-SHG members. The qualitative participants were 13. It was found that SHGs facilitate the recovery and social inclusion of members through the provision of psychosocial support. This plays out in three pathways namely social support, promotes social integration, and promotes proper management of the disorder. SHG members recover better than non-SHG members [t(160) = 3.02, p <.005]. More so, SHG members are included in society better than non-SHG members [t(158) = 3.46, p <.001]. The magnitude of the differences in recovery and social inclusion for the two groups was moderate (d = .5). SHGs make moderate positive impact on the recovery and social inclusion of members with neuropsychiatric disorders. Stakeholders in mental health are encouraged to establish and support SHGs to promote recovery and social inclusion of persons with neuropsychiatric disorders in Ghana, especially in urban places.
Strategies of extending Social Security Coverage to workers in the Informal Sector
(University of Ghana, 2005-06) Ayisi, A.E.
The research work was meant to find strategies of extending social security coverage to workers in the informal sector to enable them have protection against economic and social distress. The informal sector alone forms 80.6% of the total number of 9.039,318 economically active populations. Data used for the research work was from both primary and secondary sources. A vital tool that was wed in gathering information from the primary source was the questionnaire. In all, thirty questions were asked and grouped under the following headings. • General information on the respondent • Savings levels and preferences • Understanding of the SSNIT Pension Scheme The purposeive sampling procedures and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from a total of 156 respondents. The research revealed that workers in the informal sector do not join the scheme because of lack of knowledge. Most of the workers in the sector have failed to contribute due to unsustainable incomes. It was also revealed that benefits offered under the SSNIT Scheme were inadequate and did not meet workers expectations. Based on the findings, it is recommended that SSNIT enact a double -decker social insurance system that will provide for withdrawable contributions to help workers in this sector expand their business as their immediate need. As a result of the lack of knowledge, the media could also help to market the scheme. Benefits to contributors should be adjusted by SSNIT to bridge the gap between the high and low income earners.
Youth Volunteerism in Accra: Motivations, Benefits, and Constraints
(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Klu, E.
Volunteerism has been touted globally as one of the tools for involving the youth in development processes especially in the wake of dwindling public expenditure on public services and public sector employment. Despite the global support and advocacy, volunteerism has received less attention among scholars and policymakers in Ghana. This study seeks to contribute in this regard by exploring; factors that motivate young people to volunteer, benefits they seek to derive volunteering as well as constraints that influence or prohibit participation in volunteer work. The study adopted a mixed-method approach using surveys and interviews. 351 young people were recruited constituting; 228 volunteers and 103 non-volunteers through surveys and 20 participants; 13 volunteers, 4 non-volunteers and 3 key informants. The findings show that young people saw volunteer work as an opportunity to ‘while away time’ while waiting for a permanent job. Other motivation factors included altruism, the desire to create change, contribution to development, acquisition of new skills, building career portfolios. For benefits, volunteers recounted factors such as personal development, social capital acquisition, and psychological gains including overcoming fear and low esteem as well as ease of boredom. Constraints are said to either inhibit volunteering or influence the volunteering experience and satisfaction. Three forms of constraints emerged from the study. These include Interpersonal, Intrapersonal and Structural. Interpersonal and structural constraints were reported by both volunteers and non-volunteers while intrapersonal constraints were peculiar to only non-volunteers. It is concluded that young people in Ghana volunteer for a myriad of reasons tied to their interest and expectation. Volunteers attribute benefits to their volunteering endeavors when their expectations are met. The cost of volunteering and inadequate information on volunteer work are major constraints to be summonted in efforts to encourage volunteering culture in Ghana.
The Usage and Management of Transboundary River Resources for Sustainable Livelihood in the Bawku Area
(University of Ghana, 2009-02) Mohammed, A.S.
Water is essential to almost all human activities including agriculture, domestic use and industry and among others. This study has therefore assessed the usage and management of the White Volta River in the Bawku area for livelihood. The study used cross-sectional data collected from households, river user groups, Government and Civil Society Organisations in three riparian communities of the White Volta in the Bawku area. The data was analyzed using statistical packages such as the SPSS and MINITAB. The results have been presented in tables to suit the objectives of the study. The study results show that riparian communities in the Bawku area mainly use the White Volta resources for several livelihood activities such as rainy season cropping, dry season gardening, livestock rearing, fishing and river transportation, and sand winning and bricks molding. High crop yield along the River was found to be associated with the River's resources which provides ideal condition for improved rainy season cropping and dry season gardening. Large scale production of livestock in the communities was found to be associated with river resources which provide abundant water and pasture for livestock rearing. The all-year round flowing of the River due largely to the construction of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso has not only improved dry season gardening and livestock rearing but has also made it possible for river transportation in some of the riparian communities. The construction of the Dam has however affected fishing which is traditionally undertaken in stable waters whenever the River dries up. Several factors such as flooding, destruction of farms by animals and drying up of some parts of the River are some challenges to effective utilisation of the River for livelihood in the riparian communities. Concerns have been raised that the nature of some of the livelihood activities such as cropping very close to the River and over grazing by animals lead to erosion and siltation which affect the flow of the River. For the management of the River, study has found that customary beliefs and practices are being used for preserving the River resources at the communities' level. It was however found that these customary practices are losing their usefulness due to modern religious beliefs and practices. Nevertheless, national and international organisation as well as civil society interest was found to be growing towards the management and preservation of the White Volta. The GLOWA Volta Project and the IUCN are working in collaboration with national institutions such as the WRC to implement Projects for improving water governance and preservmg the ecosystem of the Basin. The study concludes that the sustenance of the River is crucial for the development of the riparian communities. Integrated river resources planning and management with much participation of the local communities, Government and Civil Society Organisations is therefore recommended for efficient utilisation and management of the River resources in the riparian communities.
Lived Experiences of Persons with Albinism in Lilongwe District, Malawi
(University Of Ghana, 2020-04) Tambala-Kaliati, T.
Albinism is a genetic condition that is inherited from both parents due to a lack of or the complete absence of melanin in the bodies of persons with albinism (PWA). In Malawi, like any other country, persons with albinism are normally characterized by differences in skin and hair color, in addition to the wobbling of the eyes. This often leads to negative treatment from their family, the community and society. The lack of melanin and its accompanying effects limit their functionality because when exposed to the sun and strong light, some become short-sighted and are more prone to skin cancer and related lesions. This study examines the lived experiences of persons with albinism in Lilongwe District, Malawi, in order to identify the challenges that they face as well as their coping mechanisms. This is to ascertain recommendations in order to improve their living status. The study adopted a qualitative design and selected thirty participants from both rural and urban areas. The participants included persons with albinism and key informants from the Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (APAM), Kanengo in the Protection of Rights of People with Albinism (KAPRA) and Musical Crossroads – Malawi (MCM) from Lilongwe District. The data was collected through face to face in-depth interviews as well as focus group discussions. The data was subsequently analyzed using Van Manen’s (1990) six steps of phenomenological analysis. The findings revealed that PWA encounter financial challenges because of frequent poor academic attainment which limits their employability. Because of the economic hardship, their health is compromised as they do not have the money needed to access proper medical care for their eyes and skin. These medical services are only available in the major hospitals in the cities. Considering this, the study recommends the provision of economic empowerment in the form of vocational training, donations and soft loans to aid these individuals when they are seeking to establish businesses that will allow them to work in the shade. This will help to boost their productivity and self-reliance.
Lived Experiences of Persons With Albinism in Lilongwe District, Malawi
(University of Ghana, 2020-04) Tambala-Kaliati, T.
Albinism is a genetic condition that is inherited from both parents due to a lack of or the complete absence of melanin in the bodies of persons with albinism (PWA). In Malawi, like any other country, persons with albinism are normally characterized by differences in skin and hair color, in addition to the wobbling of the eyes. This often leads to negative treatment from their family, the community and society. The lack of melanin and its accompanying effects limit their functionality because when exposed to the sun and strong light, some become short-sighted and are more prone to skin cancer and related lesions. This study examines the lived experiences of persons with albinism in Lilongwe District, Malawi, in order to identify the challenges that they face as well as their coping mechanisms. This is to ascertain recommendations in order to improve their living status. The study adopted a qualitative design and selected thirty participants from both rural and urban areas. The participants included persons with albinism and key informants from the Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (APAM), Kanengo in the Protection of Rights of People with Albinism (KAPRA) and Musical Crossroads – Malawi (MCM) from Lilongwe District. The data was collected through face to face in-depth interviews as well as focus group discussions. The data was subsequently analyzed using Van Manen’s (1990) six steps of phenomenological analysis. The findings revealed that PWA encounter financial challenges because of frequent poor academic attainment which limits their employability. Because of the economic hardship, their health is compromised as they do not have the money needed to access proper medical care for their eyes and skin. These medical services are only available in the major hospitals in the cities. Considering this, the study recommends the provision of economic empowerment in the form of vocational training, donations and soft loans to aid these individuals when they are seeking to establish businesses that will allow them to work in the shade. This will help to boost their productivity and self-reliance.
Ageing and Chronic Diseases in Ghana: The Case of Akim Oda
(University of Ghana, 2018-10) Asante, K.B.
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 receiving treatment from Akim Oda Government Hospital were solicited with four key informants. Data was collected through in-depth interview and analysed following Attride-Stirling’s (2001) thematic analysis using NVivo 11. Four main types of chronic diseases identified in the study were hypertension, diabetes, stroke and AIDS. According to study participants’ understanding, chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and stroke are caused by excessive alcohol consumption, physical in activity, and emotional, psychological or stress-related trauma. The findings further revealed that challenges encountered by the elderly living with chronic diseases include high cost of health care. Other challenges include social challenges such as loss of vision, limited mobility, sexual weakness and inability to shoulder responsibility. The findings also revealed challenges such as neglect by family members and delay in reporting to hospital. This study concludes that the elderly in Akim Oda employ the use of the media(listening to preaching, watching children programmes), change in lifestyle behaviour(adhering to prescribed medication and food), and drawing on faith and the support of spouses, siblings and children as strategies to cope with the biographical disruptions they experience. This study concludes that there are different biographical disruption experiences among the elderly in Akim Oda and the precise impacts of these experiences on the lives of the elderly influences the kind of strategies they adopt to manage their health, social and economic conditions. Social workers are to encourage individuals to save during their youthful years and to maintain healthy family ties.
Clients’ Experiences of Service Delivery at the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
(University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Adubofuor, R.
The Department of Social Welfare (DSW) is an institution responsible for the provision of social welfare services in Ghana. An institution such as this is expected to have skilled employees, resources, among others, to facilitate the provision of quality services. However, the DSW is reported to be facing several challenges including the lack of infrastructure and adequate staff. Given the increasing challenges confronting the DSW, this study investigated clients’ experiences of service provision at DSW in the Ashanti Region. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the level of clients’ satisfaction with the services provided by the DSW in the Ashanti Region, to investigate the factors that influence clients’ satisfaction with service provision by the DSW in the Ashanti Region, and explore clients’ suggestions on how to improve service provision at the DSW in the Ashanti Region. The study employed a concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design to gather data from one-hundred (100) participants. Data was gathered using an interview guide for the qualitative data. The researcher, however, adapted the McMurtry’s Client Satisfaction Inventory (CSI) for the quantitative data. The findings of this research revealed that the majority of the participants (68%) of clients of the DSW were dissatisfied with the services they received from the DSW. The factors that led to clients’ dissatisfaction with the services included non-fulfilment of clients’ expectations, behaviour of employees, and poor process of service delivery. Additionally, it emerged that the DSW clients engaged in this study encountered challenges with the organisation’s infrastructural arrangements. The study participants suggested that government provide support to the Department and the staff and pay more attention to clients, which would consequently improve their satisfaction with the services provided by the DSW. Based on this study’s findings, the researcher recommends that the government increases the budget allocation for the Department to help them acquire logistics, engage in the periodic training of employees, and improve their infrastructure
Exploring the Experiences of Teenage Mothers with Repeat Pregnancies in Ablekuma Sub-Metropolis, Accra
(University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Okine, L.
Repeat pregnancies among teenage girls is a social problem confronting many countries, including Ghana. This study sought to: (a) find out factors contributing to repeat pregnancies among teenage mothers, (b) identify challenges faced by teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies, (c) explore the knowledge of teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies on contraceptives, and (d) ascertain the social support systems available to teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies in Ablekuma sub-Metropolis. Utilizing a qualitative research design, convenience and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit 41 participants for the study. The sample consisted of 33 teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies and eight health workers from the Mamprobi Polyclinic. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were utilized to gather data for the study. The data were analyzed thematically, and it was found that factors contributing to repeat pregnancies were: low level of education, truancy, early marriage, poverty, peer pressure, and sexual coercion. Furthermore, teenage mothers included in this study faced educational, financial, health challenges and psychological issues. Besides, it was found that some of the teenage mothers were stigmatized in their communities. Also, health facilities, families, friends, and schools played crucial roles in disseminating information on family planning. Additionally, although teenage mothers obtained support from their spouses, in-laws, families, neighbors, and health workers, they faced barriers, such as family members rationalizing their problems, being accused of infidelity, ignorance of formal support services, personal attitudes, and bad attitudes of some health professionals. The study concludes that teenage mothers are at risk of repeat pregnancies and therefore recommends that stakeholders, such as social workers, Planned Parenthood Ghana, and the Ministry of Health, promote education on teenage pregnancy, family planning, and available support services.
Son-Preference and Its Implication on Females In Nigeria: The Yoruba Perspective
(University of Ghana, 2016-07) Aduradola, O.R.
The immense value placed on male children around the world, especially among patriarchal cultures in developing countries like Nigeria, has resulted in unfavorable disposition towards the continuous birth and welfare of females. In this study, the consequences of son preference and its implication on the status of girls and mothers were explored. The following objectives were addressed: (1) examine societal factors that influence son preference among Yoruba people; (2) explore the challenges of not having a male child among married Yoruba women; and (3) explore the implication of son preference on the status of daughters in the family. A qualitative research design was employed and purposive sampling technique was used to select twenty-four participants consisting ofeight men and sixteen women. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from respondents. The findings of the study showed that the perception of son preference is held by both men and women, and this perception is influenced by the need to retain family name and legacy of men. The most common factors found to influence son preference were: retention of family name, the need to institute legacy and traditional marriage practices. The study also found that health problems, infidelity and marital insecurity were challenges faced by women that had no sons. In addition, the study found a new perspective of parents towards the preference of sons. Findings from the study suggest that there are no negative implications of son preference on daughters. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the public should be sensitized through programs that address gender stereotypes. Also, more empowerment initiatives should target young girls and women because they are vulnerable to the imposition of many traditional norms. It was also recommended that social workers should advocate for the implementation of the gender equality bill by the government in Nigeria in order to stop harmful cultural practices against females.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Education among Adolescents at Awukugua
(university of Ghana, 2018-10) Danquah, P.A.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Education (SRHE) has become an important phenomenon that has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide, including Ghana. The upward surge in teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections has warranted the need for parents and other stakeholders to educate adolescents on their sexual and reproductive health. Accordingly, the study investigated adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health education among adolescents at Awukugua. The objectives of the study were to (a) investigate barriers to giving SRHE at Awukugua (b) identify the sources of information on sexual and reproductive health of adolescents at Awukugua and, (c) find out ways of improving SRHE for adolescents at Awukugua. The study employed a qualitative research approach and purposively sampled 22 participants from whom data were collected. The findings of the study revealed that traditional norms and religious beliefs, insufficient knowledge on the part of parents and perceptions were barriers to SRHE among adolescents at Awukugua. In addition, adolescents were accessing sexual and reproductive health information from a myriad of sources, including parents, teachers, Sunday school teachers (church), friends and social media (Facebook and Whatsapp). Based on the findings the author suggested community-based education and sensitization programs that will aim at changing negative perceptions about adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health education at the study area. Also, the researcher recommended the need for sexual and reproductive health education to be introduced as a sole subject school’s curriculum.
Life after Residential Care: Experiences of Care-Leavers and Care-Givers in Lagos State, Nigeria
(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Sekibo, B.P.
There is a proliferation of alternative care institutions in Lagos state, Nigeria due to the rise in the number of orphans and other vulnerable children and young people, estimated at 17.5 million. Many of these children who otherwise be absorbed by the extended family are rather growing up in alternative care institutions due to the growing levels of poverty. Children in these institutions, who are not reunified with their families or adopted, have to make a transition to independent living when they reach 18 years. However, there has been no study investigating the aftercare experiences of care-leavers in Lagos, Nigeria. This study explores how the care-leavers fare as independent adults. This study explores how the care-leavers fare as independent adults. The study adopted a phenomenological qualitative design with 26 participants (care-leavers, social workers, and caregivers) purposely sampled from three residential care institutions. Data was collected through unstructured interviews with an audio recorder, after which the data collected were analysed using a thematic approach. The findings suggest that although care-leavers were given preparation for life after care, there were barriers that inhibited them being adequately prepared. The care-leavers faced challenges including job, finance, accommodation, and social isolation. Despite these challenges, the young adults were able to cope by mobilizing both personal and social resources. Personal resources included persistence, hope of a brighter future, fear of failing, and engagement in menial jobs. The social factors, on the other hand, included formal and informal social support care-leavers tapped in for improved transitional outcomes. To improve the plight of care-leavers in Lagos State, it is recommended that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development should provide care-leavers with aftercare support to assist them to adjust to life on their own. In addition, the institutions where the care-leavers transition from should find strategies to adequately prepare them for independent living. Finally, social workers should educate the society on the challenges care-leavers face in the state as well advocate for their rights, so as to lobby for policies that will ensure the provision of aftercare services to care-leavers in Lagos state.
Experiences of Released Juvenile Offenders in Greater Accra, Ghana
(University Of Ghana, 2018-07) Bosomprah, E.K.
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 released 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. Twelve male released juvenile offenders, were recruited purposively to participate in the study. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews and was analyzed using Smith and Osborne‘s (2008) Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method. The study found out that, released juvenile offenders in Accra had some challenges in education and employment. The study further found out that, poverty, stigmatization, and lack of state transitional support contributed to some challenges encountered by released juvenile offenders in Accra. Finally, the study identified both formal and informal social support from family and friends, non-governmental support, source of income, and independent living as coping strategies employed by released juvenile offenders in Accra. In view of these findings, the study recommended that reintegration provisions made in the ‖Justice for All Children‖ policy should be implemented to help reduce challenges encountered by released juvenile offenders in Accra. Also, the study recommended that artisans association should be involved in the reintegration process of the released juvenile offenders to help reduce the risk of reoffending. Non-governmental organisation and agiencies should continue working and helping with the reintegration of released juvenile offenders in Ghana.
Postnatal Healthseeking Behaviours of Postpartum Mothers in Teshie
(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Ago-Nortey, S.A.
This study aimed at exploring the postnatal healthseeking behaviors of postpartum mothers in Teshie. The specific objectives included to (a) explore the factors that influence postpartum mothers’ decision in seeking postnatal care in Teshie, (b) find out benefits of postnatal care to postpartum mothers in Teshie, (c) ascertain barriers postpartum mothers in Teshie face while seeking postnatal care and (d) identify strategies postpartum mothers adopt to address challenges in seeking postnatal care in Teshie. Twenty postpartum mothers, five midwives and five traditional birth attendants were recruited for the study. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews and was analyzed employing Braun and Clark’s (2006) six steps of thematic data analysis. The study found out that, postpartum mothers decisions in seeking postnatal care was influenced by their perceptions and knowledge of postnatal care as well as their place of delivery and the healthcare provider.The study established that postpartum mothers recognized postnatal as being beneficial to their health and that of their infants. Financial constraints, restriction from spouses, negative attitude of midwives as well as facilitybased challenges were barriers which hindered the successful utilization of postnatal care.The study further found out that, strategies adopted by postpartum mothers to cope with challenges included early or late arrival to the health facilities, savings and tolerance of the attitude of midwives. In view of these findings, the study recommended that midwives in health facilities should intensify education for postpartum mothers’ on the usefulness of postnatal care to mothers and newborns, inclusion of postnatal care in the National Health Insurance Scheme and management of the hospitals in collaboration with the Ministry of Health should ensure that facility-based challenges would be solved inorder to minimize challenges encountered by postpartum mothers and finally, seminars should be organized regularly for midwives to encourage them to relate healthily with postpartum mothers.
Experiences of Elderly Women Caring For People with HIV/AIDS in Masindi District, Uganda
(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Kyomuhendo, C.
High HIV/AIDS prevalence rate among adults aged 15-49 is increasingly affecting elderly women, as caregivers of their sick family members and orphaned grandchildren, where they face various challenges and demands. These leave them poor, physically, and psychologically affected. Their vulnerability is compounded by the disintegration of the family support system and the inability of public and private sectors to adequately address their needs. This study explored the experiences of Elderly Women Caring for People with HIV/AIDS in Masindi District, Uganda. It sought to identify the caregiving roles of elderly women caring for HIV/AIDS people, explored the role reversal experienced by elderly women when caring for adult children with HIV/AIDS, identified the challenges elderly women face in caring for people with HIV/AIDS, ascertained the coping strategies adopted, and the support services available for them. A qualitative approach was adopted, 24 participants selected, including caregivers aged 60 years or more and key informants from The Aids Support Organization (TASO) and Masindi Hospital. In-depth face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using Creswell‘s (2009) concept of thematic analysis. Findings revealed that elderly women caring for HIV/AIDS people performed numerous roles, resulting in a role reversal when caring for dependent adult sick children, who are meant to care for these elderly parents. These posed economic, psychological, social, and physical challenges, thus adopting strategies to cope with the situation. Although family, friends, religious/community groups, government, and NGOs (TASO) provided support for the elderly caregivers, findings showed that efficient, optimal caregiving is lacking. The study recommends the Ugandan government to expand the Senior Citizens Grant (SCG) to include elderly caregivers for HIV/AIDS infected and affected people, to help meet their care needs. Also, there is the need to include the elderly caregivers in policy development and planning, on issues affecting them, to ensure that the policies/programs are working to meet their caregiving needs.
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
(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Anderson, F.
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 challenges faced by caregivers caring for a child with cleft lip and/or palate (c) ascertain the coping strategies adopted by caregivers caring for a child with cleft lip and/or palate and (d) find out support services available to caregivers of children with cleft lip and/or palate. Using a qualitative research design, twenty-five participants were purposively recruited for this study. Key informant and in depth interviews were conducted to gather data for the study and the findings were analyzed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that cleft lip and/or palate was caused by factors such as abnormalities or heredity in pregnancy, supernatural causes, abuse of drugs and food. Moreover, some of the challenges faced by caregivers of children with cleft lip and/or palate included work/financial challenges, child care and negative reactions from family and health professionals. Furthermore, the findings indicated that support services were provided by government, NGOs, families and friends but some of the caregivers were not aware of the formal support services available to them. In addition, the study further indicated that caregivers in dealing with their challenges adopted strategies such as isolation, self-encouragement and motivation. From the findings of the study, it is recommended that sensitization of pregnant women and the general public on cleft and palate by social workers and health professional should be encouraged to reduce the negative reactions and stigmatization that caregivers face.
Pre-Marital and Marital Experiences of Persons with Physical Disabilities and their Spouses in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Bekoe, J.
Society has put up invisible barriers to the idea of marriages involving persons with disabilities and not much is known about the marital experiences of persons with physical disabilities. This study, therefore, sought to (a) explore the pre-marital experiences of persons with physical disabilities and their spouses (b) ascertain the marital experiences of persons with physical disabilities and their spouses (c) identify the coping strategies employed by persons with physical disabilities and their spouses living in the Greater Accra region of Ghana to sustain their marriages. Using the Purposive and Snowball sampling methods, twenty (20) couples (i.e. forty [40] individuals in all) with at least one spouse having either visual, hearing or mobility disability were selected for the study. Interviews were conducted with each couple and data collected was analysed from the perspective of the Critical Disability Theory (CDT). The findings of the study indicate that most of the persons with physical disabilities had been rejected by some families in their previous relationships due to the disability and some relatives of their current spouses also objected to their marriages. Also, persons with physical disabilities and their spouses interviewed during this study revealed that they encountered stigma and discrimination due to the negative perception people have about disability. Additionally, persons with visual and mobility disabilities and their spouses also encountered environmental barriers in the form of inaccessible building and transport system, whiles couples with hearing disabilities faced communication barriers. Notwithstanding the challenges that the various couples encountered, they were able to complement each other in the performance of house chores and also got some support from outsiders and relatives who initially objected to the marriage. For the purpose of overcoming the challenges experienced, persons with physical disabilities and their spouses employed coping strategies such as tolerance, praying, seeking prompt medical attention, communicating through writing, seeking assistance from others and training spouses and children.

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