Finch, Febby (2013) An Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Communities in Lusaka Urban District of Zambia towards the Aged: A Case of Chipata and Ng’ombe Compounds. Masters thesis, University of Zambia.
![[img]](http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/style/images/fileicons/application_pdf.png) |
PDF (An Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Communities in Lusaka Urban District of Zambia towards the Aged: A Case of Chipata and Ng’ombe Compounds)
FEBBY FINCH.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (485kB) | Request a copy |
Abstract
The study was undertaken in Chipata and Ng’ombe compounds of Lusaka Urban District of Zambia, to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of community members towards the aged. Chipata Compound is 11.6km from town centre to the North of Lusaka District. Ng’ombe is 12.9km from town centre to the East of Lusaka District. The study had four major objectives which were: to assess the knowledge that people in Chipata and Ng’ombe compounds have on the ageing process; to ascertain their attitudes, to determine their practices in relation to the aged; to establish factors that foster the abuse of the aged by community members as well as family members of the aged. Data was collected from a total of 100 respondents which comprised 72 community members, 24 old people, 2 Officers from the two known Non-Governmental Organisations (Senior Citizens Association of Zambia and Retiree Welfare Bureau of Zambia) dealing with the welfare of the aged and 2 Officers from the Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health. The 72 community members (36 members from each community) were selected using systematic random sampling. The aged (12 from each community) were selected using chain non-random sampling. Two Officers from the two Non-Governmental oganisations and 2 Officers from the Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health were selected using expert non-random sampling. Data was collected using a researcher administered semi-structured questionnaire and face to face semi-structured interviews. The study revealed that the community members were able to see some changes in a person ageing. However, with regard to knowledge, they lacked understanding of some behavioural changes that resulted from the ageing process such as loss of memory where an old person forgets his/her own house and goes to the neighbour’s house. Immediately, the community members conclude that that old person is a witch. With regard to attitudes, the study revealed that community members had negative attitudes due partly to suspicions, myths and negative perceptions they held towards the aged resulting into negative practices such as abusing the aged. With regard to factors, the study revealed that high levels of poverty, lack of a national policy for the aged, myths and negative perceptions held by community members and the erosion of family unity due to the influence of Western culture contributed to the negative attitudes and practices towards the aged. Furthermore, the study identified education programmes to be the way in which knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the aged could be improved. The study recommended that Government agencies such as Community Development Mother and Child Health and Non-governmental Organisations dealing with the aged should come up with educational programmes on the ageing process. These programmes would help to dispel myths and negative perceptions held by community members that cause the aged to be abused. Social Welfare in Zambia should register all the aged who have no means for upkeep and expand the cash transfer programme to cater for all the aged. Furthermore, the University of Zambia, School of Education, Department of Adult Education and Extension Studies should include the process of ageing in the gerontology course.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education |
| Divisions: | Africana |
| Depositing User: | Geoffrey Obatsa |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Dec 2018 14:18 |
| Last Modified: | 14 Dec 2018 14:18 |
| URI: | http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/8654 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |