Grandparent Caregivers’ Perceptions and Lived Experiences: Their Health and Wellbeing, Access to Health and State of Health Services in Zimbabwe

Authors

Magen M. Mutepfa Dr, University of BotswanaFollow

Abstract

The study explored the perceptions and lived experiences of self-rated health, access to health, and state of health services for grandparent caregivers in Zimbabwe. In–depth interviews using semi-structured interview guides were carried out to elicit perceptions of lived experiences from grandparent caregivers (N=31; Mean age= 65.7; SD= 10.7). The data was thematically analysed and the software Nvivo 10 was used to help categorize emergent themes. The study found that grandparent caregivers experienced multiple chronic and complex self-rated health conditions (e.g., High blood pressure (HBP), arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, back pain, and heart problems), which influenced their health and Quality of Life (QOL). They perceived health services as inaccessible without medical insurance and provision of health services in Zimbabwe as appalling and prohibitive, particularly in rural areas. The negative perceptions of health services impacted caregivers’ willingness to seek the services when needed. Some of the caregivers resorted to traditional healers and religious leaders’ services as alternatives to conventional health services for coping with poor physical and mental health. The high prevalence of self-reported chronic illnesses and the crisis in the health sector was lamented by most grandparent caregivers, indicating the need for access to quality health care and/or services, medical insurance, and social protection services.

Recommended Citation

Mutepfa, M. M. (2018). Grandparent Caregivers’ Perceptions and Lived Experiences: Their Health and Wellbeing, Access to Health and State of Health Services in Zimbabwe. GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy, 5 (1).
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/grandfamilies/vol5/iss1/7