Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #590  -  SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCIES OF HIV/AIDS ON CHILDREN: CASE STUDY IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE
Session:
  6.50: Posters A (Poster) on Monday   in  Chaired by
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Mr Joshua Kembo - Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), South Africa
 
  Additional Authors:   
Aim:
The broad objective of the study was to improve the understanding of the social and economic consequences of the HIV and AIDS epidemic on children and families.
 
Method / Issue:
This baseline study used triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods. First, a survey of households (including children) was undertaken in order to quantify the levels and magnitude of issues identified. Second, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with key informants were undertaken in order to understand explanations to the observed phenomena. In addition, these qualitative methods helped identify community impacts, perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, behaviour, practices and coping mechanisms.
 
Results / Comments:
A total of 245 children were interviewed. Forty eight percent of CABA were males and 52% were females. Sixty-four children (50 CABA and 14 non-CABA) said they had been sick in the past one month. It was encouraging to note that children tended to create an enabling healthy environment for their counterparts. Psychosocial assessment revealed that CABA experienced bad sleep (18% vs. 12%), feel tense, nervous and worried (22% vs.18%), and have a sense of worthlessness in life (17% vs. 0%). Eighty percent of key informants cited lack of school uniforms and lack of food as the most common problems facing CABA in the community. Seventy percent isolated the problem of failing to pay school fees as predominant.
 
Discussion:
Overall, the results indicated a gloomy scenario regarding the welfare of CABA in the community. It further emerged that there are various NGOs working in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention and care in the study site. The study recommendations are: Need for an effective, sustained and co-ordinated programming strategy to alleviate the problems of orphans. Most of CABA do not belong to any club, association or social group. The setting up of HIV/AIDS Action Clubs in-schools is a noble project for the prevention of STIs and HIV/AIDS. Communities should be empowered towards principles of partnership, sustainability and self-reliance.
 
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