BackgroundThe study investigated whether perceived social support varied among children who have lost their parents to AIDS, those who have lost their parents to other causes, those who are living with HIV/AIDS-infected caregivers and children from intact families (comparison group).MethodThis study employed cross-sectional, quantitative survey that involved 291 children aged 10–18 years in the Lower Manya Krobo District of Ghana and examined their social support disparities.ResultsMultivariate linear regressions indicate that children living with HIV/AIDS-infected caregivers reported significantly lower levels of social support compared with AIDS-orphaned children, other-orphaned children and non-orphaned children independent of socio-demographic covariates. Children who have lost their parents to other causes and other-orphaned children reported similar levels of social support. In terms of sources of support, all children orphans and vulnerable children were more likely to draw support from friends and significant others rather than from the family.ConclusionThe findings indicate a need to develop interventions that can increase levels of social support for orphaned and vulnerable children within the context of HIV/AIDS in Ghana, particularly networks that include the family.
Objectives: While there is a growing body of literature on crash risks in the developed world, little is known about how well these models apply to motoring in developing countries, the context in which the majority of road traffic fatalities occur. This qualitative study explores factors perceived to influence crash risks for commercial drivers in Ghana. Method: Twenty commercial drivers of varied ages and experience were sampled from 7 major lorry terminals in 3 regions (Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Volta) of Ghana. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Results: The participants identified some issues that are shared with drivers in the developed world, though moderated by the Ghanaian context. These included working pressures (e.g., fatigued driving), speeding, distracted driving and inadequate vehicle maintenance. Other factors identified by the participants are less frequently considered in research addressing driving behavior in developed countries. These included aggressive competition over passengers and corruption (e.g., improper licensing practices) among others. Conclusion: The findings have implications for building a research base to support the development of road safety policy and interventions in developing countries.
Empirical studies established a link between body image measured as body mass index and psychological variables in western cultures with less inclusion of indigenous Africans. The present study investigated the influence of body image satisfaction on the psychological well-being of individuals within the African cultural context. Body image dimension was redefined and expanded to include four other components: facial appearance, appendage appearance, physical appearance, and complexion and body mass index. The sample was drawn from Ghana but covered nationals of 9 African countries. Data were analyzed using the Pearson product moment correlation, analysis of variance and hierarchical multiple regression. Findings revealed significant positive relationship between body image satisfaction and psychological well-being with Africentric values moderating the relationship as hypothesized. Also males were more satisfied with their body image than females. However, contrary to expectation level of education had no significant effect on a person's body image satisfaction.
Background: The study investigated whether perceived social support varied among children who have lost their parents to AIDS, those who have lost their parents to other causes, those who are living with HIV/AIDS-infected caregivers and children from intact families (comparison group).
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