The Types and Occurrence of Psycho-social Problems of Distance Education Students: A Study of a University in Ghana

Abstract

This study is aimed at finding out the occurrence and types of psychosocial problems of DE students at the University of Ghana Legon. The data was collected from 190 DE students drawn from all the seven centres in Ghana through a self designed questionnaire. ANOVA, t test and regression were used to analyse the results. The results indicated that the main types of psychosocial problems reported by the students included problems of the modules, ineffective tutorials, academic, administrative and socio-economic problems.67.9% of the students reported moderate levels whilst 27.9% reported severe levels of psychosocial problems. There were no differences in the level of psychosocial problems in the students with regards to gender, age and centres. Level 400 students reported the highest level of psychosocial problems, followed by levels 300 and 100 and level 200 had the least. The psychosocial problems account for 98% of the total psychosocial problems encountered by the students. Recommendations centred on the authorities opening counseling centres in all the centres and making attempt to solve all the psychosocial problems identified.