Doctor of Philosophy

dissertationFor some decades, social relationship has been a central theme in research on health and wellbeing. The literature documents two separate but related components of social relationship-social network and social support-both of which are believed to impact health independent of the other. Using data from the Utah Fertility, Longevity, and Aging (FLAG) study, the current study investigated the associations of dimensions of social connectedness (network and satisfaction with network) and perceived social support (affective, confidant, and instrumental support) to physical and mental health, and examined whether or not the association between social connectedness and physical and mental health of older adults was attributable to perceived social support. Results of the study showed the dimensions of social connectedness (network, and satisfaction with network) and perceived social support (affective, confidant, and instrumental support) were positively correlated. These dimensions, with the exception of the network dimension, were also positively associated with physical and mental health. Independent samples t-test showed individuals who obtained higher scores on the satisfaction with network dimension, and affective, confidant, and instrumental support dimensions were more likely to have higher physical and mental health scores than those who obtained lower scores on these dimensions. Logistic regression analyses showed high scores on affective and instrumental support were associated with higher odds of reporting good physical health. Similarly, high scores on the satisfaction with network dimension were associated with higher odds of reporting good mental health. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed affective and instrumental support, and satisfaction with network dimension were significant predictors of physical and mental health when the effects of covariates were controlled for. Results of moderation analyses showed significant conditional effects of social connectedness and perceived social support on physical and mental health. The interaction term (Connectedness_X_Support) was not significant. Perceived social support did not moderate the relationship between social connectedness and physical and mental health. Other correlates of physical and mental health included age, gender, and socio-economic status (SES). An increase in age corresponded with favorable mental health. Higher SES was associated with reporting good physical and mental health. Being female was associated with greater likelihood of reporting poor physical and mental health. Findings generally suggest social connectedness and perceived social support may affect different aspects of health independent of the other. Findings also suggest perceived social support may be relatively more important to the health and wellbeing of older adults than social connectedness and underscore the relative importance older adults attach to quality rather than quantity of social ties. Implications for social work practice and education, policy, and research are discussed

COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND HERDING BEHAVIOUR IN CRYPTOCURRENCY MARKET

In this paper, we examine the presence of herding in cryptocurrency market for four distinct sub-periods (Pre and During COVID-19 period, bear and bull markets) using daily closing prices of 5 largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization (Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Stellar and Tether) from April 20, 2019 to January 31, 2021. The study employs cross-sectional absolute deviations (CSAD) model to test herd behavior and the results of the study provide evidence of herd behavior in the whole market for the selected period under study. The study also proofs the presence of herding during COVID-19 period and in positive market returns. These indicate that, investors in the cryptocurrency market, during COVID-19 periods, and in bullish market are inclined to the investment behavior of other peer investors in the market. The study is significant to investors, regulators and players in the cryptocurrency market so as to deepen their understanding of herding behavior since herding is thought to increase the volatility of the market.  The study is significant to investors, regulators and players in the cryptocurrency market so as to deepen their understanding of herding behavior since herding is thought to increase the volatility of the market

Politics of Renewable Energy in Africa: Nature, Prospects, and Challenges

Energy transition discussions have centered on the technical, economic, and policy aspects of energy transitions. Despite this, the political dynamics have received less attention. It is suggested that since energy policy change threaten incumbent industries and impose substantial costs, enacting and sustaining policies require considerable political support. Even though it is widely acknowledged that barriers to energy transition are primarily political than technical, there is a lack of cohesive literature on the politics that drive, constrain, and shape renewable energy regulation or policy. This gap motivates this study. Adopting a desk research methodology and arguing from the lens of Kingdon’s multiple streams framework, the study found among others that the streams of problem, politics and policy shows enough prospects to be coupled for Africa to make a serious consideration on its renewable energy capacity. However, a number of obstacles were also identified to make this venture difficult but are surmountable

Mental Illness in older adults: factors that impact treatment trajectories

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Sources of Information About COVID-19 Among Older Adults in Ghana, 2019-2021

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a worldwide search for information. Information about COVID-19 is crucial and it could be the first step toward designing practical disease-control strategies. Misinformation amid the widespread information about COVID-19 has undoubtedly caused psychological distress, especially among older adults. We present an empirical and descriptive study of the sources of information among older adults and how they perceived the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 58 participants were recruited and interviewed using an in-depth semi-structured interview and structured questionnaire for our study. The study participants were recruited using purposive and convenience sampling in their respective homes from Mallam, a community in Ghana. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed, and themes were created for analysis. Our study revealed multiple sources of information regarding COVID-19, including radio, television, social media, family members, and friends. The COVID-19 information consisted of precautionary measures, effects, causes, symptoms, daily reported cases, and regarding vaccination. Our study revealed that the perception of COVID-19 information via social media, traditional media, families, and friends increased psychological distress among older persons by causing fear and panic. We contend that having a reliable source of information about COVID-19 is essential for older adults in mitigating the burden of the disease. Ultimately, our study substantiates the need for researchers, advocates, and policymakers to partner with social workers and healthcare workers to develop effective and practical policy interventions to address language and access difficulties for older adults seeking to obtain health information