Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #532  -  Impact of orphanhood on the potential for vulnerability of children
Session:
  6.91: Posters A (Poster) on Monday   in  Chaired by
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Dr Donald Skinner - HSRC, South Africa
 
  Additional Authors:  Dr Donald Skinner,  
Aim:
Death of parents from AIDS is contributing to a rapid increase in the prevalence of orphans. This does put these children at risk of disease, including HIV and developmental problems, due to reduced material support, inadequate emotional care, potential abuse and negative social influences. The study aimed to compare orphaned children with children who have both parents, to assess differences in context and access to resources for these children.
 
Method / Issue:
This is a part of a larger intervention study with orphaned and vulnerable children. Two cross sectional census surveys were conducted in the communities of Kopanong, comprising 5 254 households and Kanana, comprising 12 984 households. Qualitative data from individual depth interviews is used to provide additional insights.
 
Results / Comments:
In Kopanong 8.2% of children had lost both parents, 19.1% had lost their father and 6.5% their mother only, while in Kanana the results were 6.5%, 28.1% and 3.7% respectively. The high prevalence of HIV in both communities means that these figures are likely to increase significantly over the next five years. Loss of both parents had a consistent impact on material need, including access to food, clothing and essential services. Loss of a single parent has a more variable impact with the loss of a father indicating a drop in living standard. At present there are very few child headed households, but this constitutes a risk in the longer term. Qualitative reports indicate that many orphans do not receive adequate emotional care and are more vulnerable to abuse and negative social influences.
 
Discussion:
Orphans are more vulnerable in terms of material need. At present many services directed at children are not reaching the children assessed in this study as being most in need. There is a need to extend understanding and measurement of emotional need and abuse, as these measures are currently inadequate.
 
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