“Health Outcomes of Grandparents Caring for Double Orphans in South Africa”: What Are the Determinants?

Salmon Likoko, Department of Social Development
Monica Akokuwebe, North-West University
Godswill Osuafor, Independent Researcher
Erhabor Idemudia, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus

Grandparenthood is a significant demographic phenomenon in South Africa. This study examined the determinants associated the health challenges grandparent caregivers are exposed to. The National Income Dynamics Study wave 5 dataset was utilised, and a total of 302,476 grandparents aged 25 years and older, who reported to be primary caregivers of double orphans. A majority of grandparent caregivers were aged 24–34 years, were Black Africans (69.8%), and (59.7%) reported health challenges. Those aged 55–64 years were 8.9 times more likely to report health challenges compared to those aged 25–34 years. Non-Black Africans were found to be 0.61 times less likely to report health challenges, compared to Black African. Those with perceived poor health status were 3.3 times more likely to report health challenges, compared to those with excellent perceived health status. There is a need to redesign health interventions to address these health burdens among grandparent caregivers.