Exploring Essence of Multi-Generational Households in the Effutu Municipality, Central Region of Ghana

The study investigated the essence of multi-generational households in
the Effutu Municipality. Specifically, it determined reasons for existence
of multi-generational households, roles of individuals living in multi-
generational households and socio-cultural practices of the households.
Descriptive (cross-sectional) survey design was used. Area of the study
was Effutu Municipality Central Region of Ghana. Population for the
study was made up of all the households in the area of the study.
Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed
quantitatively using means and standard deviations. Major findings
reveal 17 reasons for the existence of multi-generational households (X =
3.95 to 3.50). These include, high rate of unemployment (X = 3.95),
security for old age (X = 3.87). Also 35 roles played by individual
members in the family were indentified (X=3.95 to 3.39). These include,
protecting family interest (X = 3.95), engaged in salaried jobs (X = 3.95).
There are also18 socio-cultural practices of the households (X =3.89 to 2.7).
These include, running errands (help) for everyone especially elders (X =
3.89), showing of love for everyone (X = 3.87) There was a positive and
significant(r = 0.12, p = 0.003) relationship between reasons for the
existence and socio-cultural activities multi-generational households.
Based on the findings, four recommendations for sustaining multi-
generational households in Effutu Municipality were made.