Child-rearing practices among student-mothers at University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

It has been argued that countries can achieve most Millennium Development Goals if female education becomes a priority. Although Ghana has reduced the gender gap in education over the last two decades, less emphasis has been placed on the challenges student-mothers face on campus. The study explored such challenges and how student mothers cope at the University of Cape Coast. The study, guided by the bio-psychosocial model, adopted a qualitative approach to reach twenty-eight respondents for in-depth interviews. It was realized that respondents usually skipped lectures and tutorials to take care of their babies. Stigma and uncooperative attitude of some lectures increased their psychological stress. These collectively affected their academic activities. Emotional focused coping strategies such as remaining indoors and crying were mostly used. While the University must develop a policy on the subject, its Counseling Unit must intensify the education on problem-focused coping strategy