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Subjective Perceptions and Conceptualisations of Ageing and Disability in Ghana: An Exploratory Sequential
Doris Akosua Tay1, Mumuni Abu1, Fidelia Dake1
1University of Ghana Accra Ghana.
Background:
In Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa, there is limited understanding of how people's subjective perceptions influence the broader conceptualisation of ageing and disability. Cultural and social factors play a critical role in shaping these perceptions, but existing research has not adequately explored this relationship. This study addresses this gap by using the newly developed Subjective Perception of Ageing and Disability Scale (SPADS) and the Conceptualisation of Ageing and Disability Scale (CADS) to examine how individual beliefs and functional abilities interact with cultural and social contexts to shape views on ageing and disability in Ghana.
Methods:
An exploratory sequential mixed-methods research design explored how ageing symptoms are associated with disability among residents of Dodowa in the Shai Osudoku District, Greater Accra region. The initial qualitative phase involved 14 participants, followed by a quantitative phase with 175 participants. Themes from the qualitative study informed the development of instruments for the quantitative study. SPADS and CADS developed through Cronbach's α analysis and exploratory factor analysis. An Independent samples t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and structural equation modelling assessed subjective perceptions of ageing and disability and their broader conceptualisation, respectively.
Findings:
The findings indicate a close relationship between subjective perceptions of ageing and disability in Ghana. Ageing symptoms identified in the qualitative phase-cognition, physical attributes, sensory impairment, and potential disability-were associated with disability. Most participants associated disability with ageing symptoms as reflected in their SPADS responses. SPADS was a strong predictor of CADS, with a positive relationship between the two scales. Most participants conceptualised ageing as being inherently linked to disability.
Conclusion:
Ageing is predominantly perceived as being associated with disability. The findings suggest a lack of adequate knowledge about ageing and disability. Educational campaigns are recommended to improve understanding of these phenomena. Future research should explore longitudinal changes in perception and rural-urban differences.
