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 forthe study was made up of all thehouseholds 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 also18socio-cultural practices of the households (X=3.89 to 2.7). These include, runningerrands (help) for everyone especially elders (X = 3.89), showingof 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.

Key words: Multi-generational Households, Extended Family, Socio-cultural Practices-Essence, Reasons