Displaying 51 - 60 of 422
Abstract
There is a paucity of validated mental health measures for assessing psychological well-being among HIV-affected youth. We sought to explore the psychometric properties and validity of the Achenbach Youth Self-Report and Child Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale among orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) living in Lusaka, Zambia. These scales were administered to 210 OVC aged 13 to 17 years via audio computer-assisted self-interview. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess scale structure, Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency, and correlations between scales…
ABSTRACT
The mental health needs of children and adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Namibia are poorly understood, despite the dramatic improvement in their survival. ALHIV in resource poor contexts face particular risk factors, such as poverty, orphanhood, and poor social support. This study examines the mental health of ALHIV in Namibia, and the factors that contribute to mental health problems. A case–control design assessed emotional and behavioural symptoms of distress, risk and protective factors among adolescents aged 12–18 years. Case participants were 99 HIV-positive…
Abstract
Globally, orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) affected/infected by HIV/AIDS face many health risks, including malnutrition, early/unprotected sex, early forced marriage, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), substance abuse, child labor, and high rates of mental health problems. We conducted formative research on mental health issues and HIV/STI risk behavior in Kasarani, a large slum in Nairobi, to guide the development of future interventions. Collaborating with a local community hospital, we used focus groups in the community to gather information that was…
This report from UNICEF assesses the world’s performance towards meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to date, focusing on 44 indicators that directly concern 2030’s most important constituency: children. The indicators are clustered into five dimensions of children’s rights: survive and thrive, learning, protection, environment, and fair chance. The indicators include birth registration, violence against children,…
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the challenges affecting orphans and vulnerable children (OVCS) in Embu County.
Methods: This study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was the orphans and vulnerable children support programs in Embu County. Stratified sampling was used to select 10% of orphans and vulnerable children in each location. Data was collected through household interviews, key informant interviews, observation, desk review, case studies and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics was…
Abstract
Worldwide, the population of orphans and vulnerable children is estimated to be around 160 million with sub-Sahara Africa accounting for 80% of these children owing largely to the effect of HIV/AIDS, civil wars, road accidents, sectarian violence, terrorism, and other factors. Efforts have been made over the years by governments and development partners to mitigate the effects of orphanhood, but these efforts have failed to achieve the required objectives because various socio-demographic factors influence receipt of support services provided to OVC. This study therefore, examined…
Abstract
Many studies for schooling of orphans in Africa have focused on the impact of HIV/AIDS epidemic and poverty on the dropout rates of orphans in both primary and secondary education. These studies have frequently been based on statistical analyses, which development partners place great value on. However, it is also important to explore how the orphan’s dropout of school is affected by the capacities and skills of the orphans to cope with the challenges arising from the HIV/AIDS epidemic and poverty. This type of exploration usually uses qualitative analyses based on long-term…
This webinar focused on explaining the HIV Risk Assessment cascade and how it is related to OVC_HIVSTAT disaggregates. The presenters also provided guidance for how OVC_HIVSTAT data can be analyzed to enhance program outcomes.
The timely referral of children to necessary services within and between different sectors (e.g., health, education, social services) is critical for effectively preventing and responding to the multiple vulnerabilities faced by children and families affected by HIV and other adversities. This brief of referral mechanisms within the context of OVC programs describes the different types of referral mechanisms and describes key components of setting up a functioning referral system.
Executive Summary
INTRODUCTION
For children to thrive they must have their needs met in multiple domains and across the life-course; yet, millions of children under the age of five will not meet their developmental potential. Part of the reason for this is due to the burden of HIV coupled with the high prevalence rate of common mental disorders in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this paper we review published literature on the mental health status of mothers living with HIV (MLH) and how this affects their children; we outline the pathways between maternal HIV,…