%0 Journal Article
%T Social Capital and Informal Support in Chronic Disease Care: A Personal Network Study from Ghana
%A Mohammed A. Rahman
%A Nusrat Jahan
%J International Journal of Social and Psychological Aspects of Healthcare
%@ 3108-4818
%D 2024
%V 4
%N 1
%R 10.51847/yXmpmFJ7mS
%P 87-99
%X In the context of limited social protection and health security in Ghana, individuals living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) depend heavily on intergenerational support to meet the recurring costs of care. This study assessed the extent of informal support received by patients with NCDs and examined the factors associated with the provision of such support. A total of 339 patients receiving care for NCDs at three hospitals in Ghana participated in a survey in which they identified members of their personal social networks and reported on the nature of these relationships and the frequency of support received. We examined associations between levels of social support and patients’ demographic and health characteristics, as well as attributes of their social ties and overall network structure. Respondents identified 1,371 social connections. Almost 60% reported that their chronic condition limited their ability to perform routine work or household activities, a factor that emerged as the strongest predictor of receiving support. Higher self-reported wellbeing was associated with lower levels of social support. In addition, older age and reliance on co-residing supporters were negatively associated with support, suggesting potential caregiver fatigue or burnout. Individuals living with NCDs in Ghana rely on diverse informal caregivers whose capacity to meet growing healthcare and social demands may be increasingly constrained as the population ages. Strengthening policies that promote collective resource pooling and more inclusive old-age social protection is therefore essential.
%U https://smerpub.com/article/social-capital-and-informal-support-in-chronic-disease-care-a-personal-network-study-from-ghana-aj305wnanfdl8vz