THE SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF RAISING MEDICALLY FRAGILE AND DEVELOPMENTALLY CHALLENGED CHILDREN IN GHANA

Abstract

Various challenges and stresses affect families raising children who are medically fragile or developmentally-challenged. This paper explores the social consequences of raising children who are medically fragile and/or developmentally challenged. It is an ethnographic study of 13 families within the Tamale Metropolis. The overarching theme was the families' search for safety and comfort doing their daily chores and in social situations. Major issues they have to deal with included overcoming environmental challenges and attitudinal barriers. Where safety and comfort could not be achieved, families were likely to limit social activities so that the child who was medically fragile and or developmentally challenged could be cared for at home, a secured environment in the view of parents.