Divorce and child neglect among single parents in Mukono district: A Case study of Nakisunga Sub County

Abstract

This study sought to examine the causes of divorce and child neglect among single parents in Nakisunga Sub county, Mukono district. The study intended to find out the major cause of divorce and child neglect, examine the effects of divorce and child neglect among people and to identify the possible solutions to alleviate divorce and child neglect. The study also based on the already existing literature concerning divorce and child neglect among single parents in rural society. Under this, the study consulted the existing causes (poverty, drug abuse), effects (poor growth and development trauma and psychological problem and strategies taken to curb the problem included government policy and community sensitization. The study used the descriptive study design and both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data such as interviews, observation and questionnaires. The sample size was 90 respondents which included 20 community leaders (LCI and LCII) 20 parents and 50 children. Data was analyzed using tables, graphs and pie charts. The findings revealed that divorce and -child neglect among single parents is due to poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, lack of social support, domestic violence and poor parenting styles, all the above causes have an impact on the social development of a child. It is recommended that the community should be actively involved in the decision making at any activity carried out by the government, church and civil society, the community should be educated on the- need to support the neglected children and single parents, The Ministry of Health should educate the community on family planning issues and the need to have safe sex