Well-being and Social Harmony of Older Adults in Ghana
Author Information
Author(s): Oduro Joseph Kojo, Kumi-Kyereme Akwasi
Primary Institution: Department of Population and Health, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Hypothesis
This study examined the association between dimensions of well-being and the social harmony of older persons in Ghana.
Conclusion
The study found that high levels of emotional and physical well-being are positively associated with social harmony in older persons, while high levels of psychological and spiritual well-being are negatively associated.
Supporting Evidence
- High levels of emotional and physical well-being were associated with a higher likelihood of social harmony.
- Older persons with high levels of psychological and spiritual well-being were less likely to experience social harmony.
- Rural residents reported higher social harmony compared to urban residents.
- Being female was associated with lower social harmony compared to being male.
- Older persons with secondary or higher education had higher odds of social harmony.
Takeaway
Older people in Ghana feel safer and more socially connected when they are emotionally and physically well, but being psychologically or spiritually well doesn't always mean they feel socially harmonious.
Methodology
A secondary analysis of longitudinal survey data from the 2014/15 SAGE Wave 2, using multilevel logistic regression techniques.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may lead to favorable response bias.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data, which may introduce bias, and it is difficult to establish causality.
Participant Demographics
{"age":"60 years and older","gender":{"male":43.2,"female":56.8},"marital_status":{"married":58.5,"widowed":24.5,"never_married":6.3,"separated_divorced":10.7},"education":{"no_formal_education":45.0,"primary_or_JHS":27.1,"secondary_or_higher":27.9},"work_status":{"not_working":19.3,"part_time":33.3,"full_time":47.4}}
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 1.35,1.35 for emotional well-being; 95% CI = 1.43,1.43 for physical well-being; 95% CI = 0.63,0.93 for psychological well-being; 95% CI = 0.39,0.40 for spiritual well-being.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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