An Assessment of the Contribution of Social Welfare Support to the Wellbeing of the Elderly in Acowa Sub-County, Amuria District Uganda

Abstract

This study was premised on the assumption that wellbeing of the elderly in Acowa Sub County could be predicted by three factors namely; Housing, Health and Nutrition. The moderator variable was hypothesized to be psychological issues. The study was guided by four objectives, four corresponding research questions and four hypotheses. The study adopted a case study research design that used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources which included filled in questionnaires from respondents, interviews, on line journals and book reviews. A sample size of 10% from an estimated total population of 800 elderly persons was drawn basing on recommendations by (Mugenda & Mugenda, 1999) and (Sekaran, 2003). Five (5) key informants were purposively selected making a total of 85 respondents. The response rate was 100% and the survey instruments had an overall reliability coefficient of above 6.0 determined using Cronbach Alpha. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics utilizing percentages; correlation and regression analysis was also used. The study empirically established that, there is a positive and significant correlation between housing, health, nutrition support and wellbeing of the elderly and a negative significant relationship between psychological issues and wellbeing of the elderly. The test using Pearson correlation analysis returned a result of (r = 0.445; p<0.01) for housing; (r = 0.758; p<0.01) for health; (r = 0.500; p<0.01) for nutrition and (r = -0.462; p<0.01) for psychological issues. The strength of the relationship was statistically significant at 0.01 level of significance. The study concluded that social welfare support is critical for elderly persons to achieve physical social and emotional wellbeing. However psychological factors also play a critical moderating role in the achievement of wellbeing. Recommendations adopted from the study findings are provided in chapter five with the hope that housing, health and nutrition of the elderly persons in Acowa Sub County gets due consideration. Limitations and areas for further research are also indicated.