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Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open
Journal article
Caregiving dynamics and labor market outcomes of unorganized caregivers of older adults in Ghana
Journal of health, population and nutrition, Vol.44(1), pp.1-12
02/09/2025
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Abstract
Background: Unorganized caregivers increasingly face significant challenges that impact their participation in the labor market, particularly in low-and middle-income countries. This paper explores the effects of both care intensity and the subjective caregiving burden on the labor force participation and work hours of these unorganized caregivers.
Method: We used data from a sample of 1,806 unorganized caregivers in Ghana who provide care to older adults aged 60 and above. High-intensive caregivers were classified as those providing at least 20 h of caregiving per week, while the caregiving burden was measured using the short version of the Zarit Burden Interview score. The results were based on the average marginal effect from a logistic regression model.
Results: The results showed that both high-intensity and high-burden caregiving have notable effects on labor force participation and the work hours of unorganized caregivers. High-intensive caregivers were associated with an approximately 14% increase in the probability of reducing work hours. Also, high-burden caregivers were found to be associated with a 7% increase in the probability of being self-employed. The combined effect of high-intensity and high-burden caregiving was found to amplify the labor market challenges, particularly in reducing work hours and limiting the ability to maintain stable employment.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the significant impact of unorganized caregiving on labor market outcomes, particularly for those providing intensive and high-burden care. Policymakers should consider these effects when designing support systems for caregivers to mitigate the negative impact on employment and income stability..
Details
- Title
- Caregiving dynamics and labor market outcomes of unorganized caregivers of older adults in Ghana
- Creators
- Daniel Offei - University of GhanaUlrika Enemark - Aarhus UniversityRobert Darko Osei - University of GhanaRazak M. Gyasi - African Population and Health Research CenterCharles Godfred Ackah - University of Ghana
- Publication Details
- Journal of health, population and nutrition, Vol.44(1), pp.1-12
- Publisher
- BMC; LONDON
- Grant note
- This research is funded under a grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DFC file no.19-06‐AU, Developing Ghana’s Care Economy: Case and Potential).
- Identifiers
- 991013310123102368
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2025.
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article