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Older People in Rural Ghana: Health and Health Seeking Behaviours

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Aging and Health in Africa

Part of the book series: International Perspectives on Aging ((Int. Perspect. Aging,volume 4))

Abstract

The discussion in this chapter emanates from a larger study by World Health Organization (WHO) in Ghana in 2006, covering both urban and rural samples in the Greater Accra Region. The study primarily investigated the health and non-health seeking behaviours of non-users of Primary Health Care (PHC) services. Five localities were selected to reflect the different infrastructure, culture, and social context in both rural and urban areas. Three rural localities among the five were specifically chosen to reflect differing rural population sizes, experiences, and perspectives on health, access, and use of PHC services. Ages of participants for this study ranged from 50 to 75 years. This chapter addresses rural older people’s perceptions on health matters and PHC services. It also addresses their experiences and perceptions of health seeking alternatives to PHC. The chapter ends with the emerging implications of the findings and recommendations for health policy in Ghana.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ashesi University College, Berekaso E/R, Accra, Ghana

    Nana Apt

Authors
  1. Nana Apt
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Correspondence to Nana Apt .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Built Environment and Development Studie, University of KwaZulu-Natal, King George 5th Ave, Room F223, Durban, 4041, South Africa

    Pranitha Maharaj

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Apt, N. (2013). Older People in Rural Ghana: Health and Health Seeking Behaviours. In: Maharaj, P. (eds) Aging and Health in Africa. International Perspectives on Aging, vol 4. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8357-2_5

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