Article Title: AIDS knowledge and HIV stigma among children affected by HIV/AIDS in rural China
Authors: Zhao Q1, Li X, Zhao G, Zhao J, Fang X, Lin X, Stanton, B.
Abstract: The current study was designed to assess the level of AIDS knowledge and its relationship with personal stigma toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) among children living in communities of high HIV prevalence in rural China. The data were collected in 2009 from 118 orphanage orphans (children who had lost both of their parents to HIV and living in AIDS orphanages), 299 family-cared orphans (children who had lost one or both of their parents to HIV and living with surviving parents or extended families), 326 vulnerable children (children who were living with HIV-infected alive parents), and 276 comparison children (children from the same community who did not experience HIV-related illness and death in their family). Children were asked to answer 20 questions of AIDS knowledge. A 10-item stigma scale was employed to assess children’s own attitude toward PLWHA. Both bivariate and multivariate tests were performed to answer our research questions. The data in the current study demonstrate a relatively low percent of correct AIDS knowledge (60%) among samples. The comparison children reported the best score of AIDS knowledge and orphanage orphans scored the lowest. The children with better AIDS knowledge have less personal stigma toward PLWHA. The findings in the current study suggest the need of appropriate education strategies to provide AIDS knowledge to children, particularly for HIV-affected children living in communities of high HIV prevalence in rural China.
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Article Title: Perceived social support and psychosocial distress among children affected by AIDS in China
Authors: Hong Y, Li X, Fang X, Zhao G, Lin X, Zhang J, Zhao J, Zhang L
Abstract: The psychosocial wellbeing of the children affected by Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) receives growing international attention. However, limited data in this area are available in China, which hosts an estimate of 100,000 AIDS-orphaned children. The study aims to examine the relationship between perceived social support (PSS) and psychosocial wellbeing among children affected by AIDS. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 1,625 children (aged 6-18 years) in Henan Province, an area with a large number of HIV cases due to unhygienic commercial blood/plasma collection. Our sample included 296 double orphans (i.e., children who lost both parents to AIDS), 459 single orphans (children who lost one parent to AIDS), 466 vulnerable children (children living with HIV-infected parents) and 404 comparison children (children who did not experience HIV-related illness and death in family). Data suggest that vulnerable children reported the lowest level of PSS compared to AIDS orphans and comparison children. Level of PSS was significantly and positively associated with psychosocial wellbeing even after controlling for potential confounders. The study underscores the importance of providing social support and mental health services for children affected by AIDS in China.
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Study Title: Community groups as ‘critical enablers’ of the HIV response in Zimbabwe
Authors: Skovdal, M., Magutshwa-Zitha, S., Campbell, C., Nyamukapa, C., & Gregson, S.
Abstract: The Investment Framework for a more effective HIV response has become integral to discussions on how best to respond to the HIV epidemic. The Framework calls for greater synergy and attention to factors that serve as ‘critical enablers’ and optimise HIV programmes. This paper argues for recognition of informal and indigenous community groups as ‘critical enablers’ of the HIV response. This qualitative study was conducted in Matobo district of the Matabeleland South province in Zimbabwe. It draws on 19 individual in-depth interviews and 9 focus group discussions conducted by local researchers in September and October 2011. Data was thematically analysed.
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Study Title: Effects and Processes Linking Social Support to Caregiver Health Among HIV/AIDS-Affected Carer-Child Dyads: A Critical Review of the Empirical Evidence
Authors: Casale, M., & Wild, L.
Abstract: There is evidence to suggest that social support may be an important resource for the mental and physical health of caregivers and children affected by HIV/AIDS, especially in HIV-endemic areas of the developing world. Drawing from theory on social relations and health, this intriguing systematic literature review argues that it is important to assess not only the existence and direction of associations, but also the effects and processes explaining these.
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Study: Domestic chores workload and depressive symptoms among children affected by HIV/AIDS in China
Authors: Yun Yua, Xiaoming Lib, Liying Zhangb, Junfeng Zhaoc, Guoxiang Zhaoc, Yu Zhengd & Bonita Stantonb
Date: May 2013
Abstract: Limited data are available regarding the effects of domestic chores workload on psychological problems among children affected by HIV/AIDS in China. The current study aims to examine association between children’s depressive symptoms and the domestic chores workload (i.e., the frequency and the amount of time doing domestic chores). Data were derived from the baseline survey of a longitudinal study which investigated the impact of parental HIV/AIDS on psychological problems of children. A total of 1449 children in family-based care were included in the analysis: 579 orphaned children who lost one or both parents due to AIDS, 466 vulnerable children living with one or both parents being infected with HIV, and 404 comparison children who did not have HIV/AIDS-infected family members in their families. Results showed differences on domestic chores workload between children affected by HIV/AIDS (orphans and vulnerable children) and the comparison children. Children affected by HIV/AIDS worked more frequently and worked longer time on domestic chores than the comparison children. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that domestic chores workload was positively associated with depressive symptoms. The data suggest that children affected by HIV/AIDS may face increasing burden of domestic chores and it is necessary to reduce the excessive workload of domestic chores among children affected by HIV/AIDS through increasing community-based social support for children in the families affected by HIV/AIDS.
[button link=”http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09540121.2012.722603?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed”]Read More[/button]
Authors: Lauren G. Wild, Alan J. Flisher and Brian A. Robertson
Date: March 2013
Abstract: The AIDS pandemic has resulted in a dramatic rise in the number of orphans in South Africa. This study was designed to investigate the associations between family, peer, and community factors and resilience in orphaned adolescents. Self-report questionnaires were administered verbally to 159 parentally bereaved adolescents (aged 10-19) in an economically deprived urban area. Questionnaires included measures of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. The results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicate that cumulative stress exposure, losing a parent to a cause other than HIV and AIDS, and being cared for by a nonrelative were associated with an increased risk of internalizing symptoms. Family regulation and respect for individuality, peer connection, and community connection and regulation were significantly associated with greater emotional resilience. The findings support a main-effects model of resilience in which risk factors and protective factors contribute additively to the prediction of the outcome, without interaction.
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Authors: Ruiz-Casares M, Trocmé N, Fallon B.
Date: 2012
Abstract:
This study explores prevalence and characteristics associated with supervisory neglect and physical harm in children in the child welfare system in Canada.
METHODS:
The sample included all substantiated primary maltreatment investigations in the 2008 Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect excluding cases where exposure to intimate partner violence was the sole reason for investigation (n=3,380). Bivariate tests were used to assess differences across types of maltreatments and to compare supervisory neglect cases with and without physical harm on factors related to child injury and supervision.
RESULTS:
Supervisory neglect was the primary concern in an estimated 12,793 cases of substantiated maltreatment across Canada in 2008. Compared to other types of maltreatment, cases of supervisory neglect involved more overcrowded housing conditions and children who were younger and less likely to have any functioning issue. Injuries were noted in only 2% of cases supervisory neglect and half of these injuries were not severe enough to require medical treatment. Other physical health conditions were noted in 2% of supervisory neglect cases. Physical harm was noted most often for toddlers (1-2 years old) and adolescents (12-15 years old). Household and caregiver characteristics were not associated with greater rates of physical harm. In contrast, 7% of children with any risk factor suffered physical harm as a result of supervisory neglect mainly related to substance abuse, self-harming behavior, and multiple incidents of running from care.
CONCLUSIONS:
Child risk factors are often present in cases of supervisory neglect with physical harm. Nonetheless, 96% of all cases of supervisory neglect substantiated by Canadian child welfare authorities do not involve physical harm. Clearer guidelines are needed for the assessment of supervisory neglect. Alternative response systems may be more suitable for low-risk cases.
[button link=”http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09540121.2012.722603?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed”]Read More[/button]
Author: Ssewamala FM, Neilands TB, Waldfogel J, Ismayilova L.
Date: 2012
Abstract:
By adversely affecting family functioning and stability, poverty constitutes an important risk factor for children’s poor mental health functioning. This study examines the impact of a comprehensive microfinance intervention, designed to reduce the risk of poverty, on depression among AIDS-orphaned youth.
METHODS:
Children from 15 comparable primary schools in Rakai District of Uganda, one of those hardest hit by HIV/AIDS in the country, were randomly assigned to control (n = 148) or treatment (n = 138) conditions. Children in the treatment condition received a comprehensive microfinance intervention comprising matched savings accounts, financial management workshops, and mentorship. This was in addition to traditional services provided for all school-going orphaned adolescents (counseling and school supplies). Data were collected at wave 1 (baseline), wave 2 (10 months after intervention), and wave 3 (20 months after intervention). We used multilevel growth models to examine the trajectory of depression in treatment and control conditions, measured using Children’s Depression Inventory (Kovacs).
RESULTS:
Children in the treatment group exhibited a significant decrease in depression, whereas their control group counterparts showed no change in depression.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings indicate that over and above traditional psychosocial approaches used to address mental health functioning among orphaned children in sub-Saharan Africa, incorporating poverty alleviation-focused approaches, such as this comprehensive microfinance intervention, has the potential to improve psychosocial functioning of these children.
[button link=”http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1054-139X(11)00283-7″]Read More[/button]
Authors: Karimli L, Ssewamala FM, Ismayilova L
Date: 2012
Abstract:
To understand the role of extended family in responding to problems of AID-orphaned children and adolescents in Uganda, the study examines who are the primary caregivers of AIDS-orphaned children and adolescents, what are the types of caregiving provided to orphans and whether the quality of caregiving varies by the primary caregiver’s gender and type.
METHODS:
The study uses bivariate analyses and mixed effects models utilizing baseline data from a cluster randomized experimental design including 283 orphaned adolescents in Uganda.
RESULTS:
The analysis revealed a generally dominating role of female caregivers for both single and double orphans. In the absence of biological parents – as in the case of double orphans – grandparents’ role as caregivers prevail. On average, the study participants indicated receiving the high level of perceived caregiver support: the average score of 3.56 out of 4 (95% CI=3.5, 3.65). Results of mixed effect models (adjusting for school effects) revealed significant differences in perceived caregiver support by caregiver’s gender. Compared to their male counterparts, female participants with whom the child/adolescent lives (B=0.22, 95% CI=0.11, 0.34) and women who are currently taking care of a child/adolescent (B=0.15, 95% CI=0.05, 0.26) provide greater caregiver support as perceived and reported by a child/adolescent. Similarly, female financiers – compared to male source of financial support – provide greater caregiver support as perceived and reported by a child/adolescent (B=0.16, 95% CI=0.04, 0.3).
CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings demonstrate that extended families are still holding up as an important source of care and support for AIDS orphaned children and adolescents in Uganda. The findings support the argument about importance of matrilineal and grandparental care for AIDS orphans.
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Authors: Campbell C, Skovdal M, Mupambireyi Z, Madanhire C, Nyamukapa C, Gregson S.
Date: 2012
Abstract: Given relatively high levels of adherence to HIV treatment in Africa, we explore factors facilitating children’s adherence, despite poverty, social disruption and limited health infrastructure. Using interviews with 25 nurses and 40 guardians in Zimbabwe, we develop our conceptualisation of an ‘adherence competent community’, showing how members of five networks (children, guardians, community members, health workers and NGOs) have taken advantage of the gradual public normalisation of HIV/AIDS and improved drug and service availability to construct new norms of solidarity with HIV and AIDS sufferers, recognition of HIV-infected children’s social worth, an ethic of care/assistance and a supporting atmosphere of enablement/empowerment.
[button link=”http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1353-8292(11)00124-9″]Read More[/button]