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Mokwena KE, Magabe S, Ntuli B. Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Their Co-Occurrence among Orphaned Children in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1279. [PMID: 37628278 PMCID: PMC10453368 DOI: 10.3390/children10081279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Although both short- and long-term psychological challenges, specifically depression and anxiety, have been reported among orphans, there is a dearth of studies that quantify these disorders in rural settings. The aim of the study was to screen for symptoms of depression, anxiety and their co-occurrence among orphaned school-going children in rural Limpopo province, South Africa. Data were collected among primary school children in 10 schools in two villages in Limpopo province. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) was used to screen for symptoms of depression, anxiety and their co-occurrence among 308 orphaned learners in the selected schools. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data. STATA 13 was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the symptoms and severity of depression, anxiety and their co-occurrence. The sample of 308 consisted of the majority (60.71%) residing in Maandagshoek and being female (54.22%). Their ages ranged from 8 to 12 years, with a mean of 10.51 years. The prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and co-occurrence of anxiety and depression were 23.05%, 34.09% and 32.14%, respectively. The prevalence of mental health symptoms was high among the sample. There is a need to expand the care of orphans to include mental health and not just limit their care to provide food to vulnerable children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kebogile Elizabeth Mokwena
- Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0208, South Africa (B.N.)
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Kravić N, Pajević I, Hasanović M, Karahasanović N, Voracek M, Baca-Garcia E, Dervic K. Bosnian Paternal War Orphans: Mental Health in Postwar Time. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:486-495. [PMID: 36996318 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT More research on the medium- and long-term effects of childhood exposure to war, including orphanhood, is needed. We compared 50 orphans 1 who lost their father during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992-1995) and 50 age- and sex-matched adolescents from two-parent families during 2011-2012 in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral/emotional problems, depression, resilience, maternal mental health, and perceived social support. The two groups differed on sociodemographic factors, that is, number of children, family composition, income, school grades, and refugeehood. Paternal war orphans did not differ in terms of adolescent mental health and resilience from their nonorphaned peers, controlling for sociodemographic variables. The mothers of orphans had comparably more posttraumatic psychopathology. As for perceived resources for social support, orphans identified those comparably more often among distant relatives and in the community, that is, religious officials and mental health professionals, and less often among siblings, paternal grandparents, paternal and maternal uncles/aunts, school friends and teachers. Our findings suggest that contextual factors may play an important role in orphans' postwar mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nejla Karahasanović
- Department of Neurology, Imaging Based Functional Brain Diagnostics and Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Voracek
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Kanita Dervic
- Division of Child Psychosomatics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine/University Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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3
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van der Brug M, Wojtkowiak J, Hango VN. Caregiver-child communication on parental loss in the context of the AIDS epidemic in Namibia. DEATH STUDIES 2023; 48:293-302. [PMID: 37296529 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2219647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Personal grief takes place in a social context, such as the family setting. This study aimed to understand how Namibian caregivers and children/adolescents communicate parental loss, in the context of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. An ethnographic design was used, in which 38 children, adolescents, and their caregivers were interviewed. The results show that caregivers shared few memories and provided minimal information about the deceased parents. However, the majority of adolescents and children wished for information. A relational Sender-Message-Channel-Receiver model was used to map the reasons for this silence. This model is useful for grief interventions that aim to strengthen communication.
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Mensi M, Ahishakiye A, Journeay K, Baiocco R, Betancourt TS, Paganotti GM. HIV-Exposed Uninfected Children: A Systematic Review on Psychological Well-Being and Association with School Performances in Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2499. [PMID: 36767866 PMCID: PMC9916290 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing number of children affected by HIV in Africa. Research on HIV-exposed uninfected children (HEU) is also growing. This systematic review focuses on the psychological well-being of HEU and its association with school intervention, outcomes, and enrollment in the African context, which is where the rate of HIV reaches its highest levels. Research on public databases was conducted according to PRISMA standards. Only studies on HEU primary school children in Africa, both quantitative and qualitative, were included. Out of 1510 papers retrieved, 50 met the inclusion criteria. These studies demonstrate that HEU children are more likely to perform worse in school compared to their counterparts who were not exposed to HIV and to show poorer concentration in the classroom. Children with parents suffering from AIDS are worried for them and have to take household responsibility, resulting in school dropouts, juvenile work, and risky behaviors. Few interventions have been conducted in the school environment with some of them being successful; therefore, future research should involve schools to create an inclusive environment where HEU children could enhance their potential and improve their psychological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Mensi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alain Ahishakiye
- Capacity Building Team, Mental Health Centre, University of Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 4285, Rwanda
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Institut de Santé et de Développement, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar 10700, Senegal
- Department of Social Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Katharine Journeay
- Research Program on Children and Adversity, School of Social Work, Boston College, Boston, MA 02467, USA
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo M. Paganotti
- Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Partnership, P.O. Box 45498, Riverwalk, Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
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Leshargie CT, Demant D, Burrowes S, Frawley J. Incidence and predictors of mortality among adolescents on antiretroviral therapy in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063879. [PMID: 36351711 PMCID: PMC9664312 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of mortality in adolescents receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Ethiopia's Amhara Region. DESIGN We conducted an institution-based retrospective follow-up study. SETTINGS The study was conducted at Amhara Region's comprehensive specialised hospitals in Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS We included 961 randomly selected medical records of adolescents receiving ART between January 2005 and June 2020. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES The incidence of mortality since ART treatment initiation served as the primary outcome, and predictors of mortality served as secondary outcomes. We used Cox proportional hazard regression to examine the relationship between mortality and its predictors. Variables with p values<0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant mortality predictors. Adjusted HR (aHR) with 95% CI was used to measure the strength of association. RESULTS More than half (n=496, 53.5%) of the adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) were girls. The adolescent mortality rate was 1.52 (95% CI: 1.04 to 1.53) per 100 person-years throughout the follow-up period of 81 583 adolescent months. Mortality was higher for ALHIV who had not received formal education (aHR: 3.27, 95% CI: 1.36 to 7.87), had widowed parents (aHR: 1.85, CI: 95% 1.01 to 3.56) or received no social support (aHR: 2.81, 95% CI: 1.69 to 4.67). Adolescents who had opportunistic infections (OIs) at ART initiation (aHR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.19 to 3.14), low haemoglobin (Hgb/g/l) levels (aHR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.08 to 4.18), a bedridden functional status (aHR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.64 to 5.72), stage IV clinical staging (aHR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.46 to 6.30), non-disclosing status (aHR: 2.24, 95% CI:1.36 to 3.69) and CD4 count 200-350 cells/mm3 (aHR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.08 to 4.18) also had a higher risk of death. Not receiving cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (aHR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.07 to 3.22) and poor adherence to ART (aHR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.27 to 3.95), compared with adherent, was associated with higher mortality risk. Changed treatment regimens were associated with lower mortality (aHR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.98). CONCLUSIONS Our study found a lower mortality rate for adolescents with HIV than previous Ethiopian studies, but our significant mortality predictors were similar to those found in earlier studies of adults and adolescents. Our findings reveal a potential point for health service improvement in Ethiopia: incorporating monitoring of Hgb levels into patient follow-up care, supporting recommendations that clinicians emphasise managing OIs and providing counselling services to improve adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheru Tesema Leshargie
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Demant
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Jane Frawley
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Negative Outcomes of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders among HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents in Uganda: CHAKA Study 2014-2017. PSYCHIATRY JOURNAL 2022; 2022:8975704. [PMID: 35572346 PMCID: PMC9098297 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8975704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Children and adolescents infected with HIV/AIDS (CA-HIV) experience a considerable burden of depressive and anxiety disorders that have a tendency to persist into adulthood. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and their clinical correlates among children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS (CA-HIV) in Uganda. Methods. A random sample of 1339 CA-HIV (ages 5-18 years) and their caregivers completed a standardized DSM-5-referenced psychiatric rating scale, the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-5 (CASI-5). The prevalence of “anxiety and depression” was estimated at 95% confidence intervals. Logistic and ordinal regression models were fitted for the clinical correlates and clinical outcomes. Results. The overall prevalence of “any anxiety and depressive disorders” was 13.7% at 95% CI (based upon the symptom count criteria); 4.0% (95% CI) met the clinical psychiatric disorder criteria (both symptom count and functional impairment criteria). Anxiety disorder was more prevalent (9%, 95% CI) than depression (6.4%, 95% CI). Correlates of “anxiety and depressive disorders” included age of the child, caregiver’ psychological distress, caregivers’ age, child-caregiver relationship, and child’s current CD4 count (aOR1.00, 95% CI 1.02–1.05;
). Anxiety disorders (aOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.16-5.42;
) and depressive disorders (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 1.93–6.52;
) were also associated with hospital admissions. Limitations. Analyses were cross-sectional; we cannot comment on the causal directions. The results are entirely based upon caregiver’ reports. Conclusions. There is an urgent need to integrate mental health services into routine HIV care for CA-HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Prencipe L, Houweling TA, van Lenthe FJ, Palermo TM, Kajula L. Exploring multilevel social determinants of depressive symptoms for Tanzanian adolescents: evidence from a cross-sectional study. J Epidemiol Community Health 2021; 75:944-954. [PMID: 33782050 PMCID: PMC8458088 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2020-216200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Depression has substantial and enduring impacts for adolescents, particularly those living in poverty. Yet, evidence on its determinants in low-income countries remains scarce. We examined the social determinants of depressive symptoms for Tanzanian adolescents. Methods We used cross-sectional data for 2458 adolescents (aged 14–19), to describe associations with depressive symptoms within and across five domains—demographic, economic, neighbourhood, environmental and social-cultural—using linear mixed models. We estimated depressive symptoms using the 10-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, which ranges from 0 to 30 and increases with additional symptoms. Results Factors associated with depressive symptoms in the fully adjusted models included experiencing five or more household economic shocks (β=2.40; 95% CI 1.48 to 3.32), experiencing droughts/floods (β=0.76; 95% CI 0.36 to 1.17), being in a relationship (β=1.82; 95% CI 1.30 to 2.33), and having moderate (β=1.26; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.71) or low (β=2.27; 95% CI 1.81 to 2.74) social support. Exclusive schooling was protective compared with being engaged in both school and paid work (β=1.07; 95% CI 0.05 to 2.61) and not engaged in either (β=0.73; 95% CI 0.24 to 1.22). Household size and relationship status were more important factors for girls, while employment status, and extreme precipitation were more important for boys. Conclusion Mental health is associated with determinants from multiple domains. Results suggest that environmental shocks related to climate change contribute to poor mental health in adolescents, highlighting an important area for intervention and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Prencipe
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja Aj Houweling
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J van Lenthe
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tia M Palermo
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Lusajo Kajula
- UNICEF Office of Research - Innocenti, Florence, Italy
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Pillay K, Tomita A, Paruk S. Patterns of emotional and behavioural challenges in children living with HIV: results from a hyperendemic South African setting. VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND YOUTH STUDIES 2021; 16:232-244. [PMID: 34484413 PMCID: PMC8415290 DOI: 10.1080/17450128.2020.1869361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the patterns of emotional and behavioural problems in children from an HIV hyperendemic sub-Saharan Africa setting. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was administered to 198 parents/caregivers of children living with HIV aged 2-12 years, attending a paediatric HIV out-patient service at a public sector hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) which consists of five sub-scales (i.e. emotional difficulties, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention symptoms, peer problems and prosocial behaviours) were used to capture data on emotional and behavioural problems in children. The results indicated that over half of sampled children (n = 115, 58.1%) had abnormal levels of problems in at least one sub-scale, with adjusted regression indicating that academic difficulties and delayed milestones were significantly associated (i.e. greater total SDQ score as a continuous measure). Lower parental/caregiver educational attainment (i.e. not having tertiary education) was the only parent/caregiver characteristic associated with greater emotional and behavioural problems. Given the high prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems and its link to academic difficulties and delayed milestones, the need for screening and developmental support for children living with HIV may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusturi Pillay
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andrew Tomita
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Saeeda Paruk
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Maddocks S, Chetty V. Burden of caring for children living with human immunodeficiency virus in a semi-rural South African community. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2020; 62:e1-e5. [PMID: 32633994 PMCID: PMC8377773 DOI: 10.4102/safp.v62i1.5110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Maddocks
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
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10
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Small LA, Parchment TM, Bahar OS, Osuji HL, Chomanczuk AH, Bhana A. South African adult caregivers as "protective shields": Serving as a buffer between stressful neighborhood conditions and youth risk behaviors. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 47:1850-1864. [PMID: 31441506 PMCID: PMC7082847 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Low-income youths in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, face elevated risks to their well-being from exposure to neighborhood conditions correlated with engaging in risky behaviors. These risks can be mitigated through adult caregivers who serve as protective shields, buffering adverse conditions. However, this protective role is dependent on the caregivers' mental health and well-being. This secondary analysis uses baseline data from 475 child-caregiver dyads in an HIV-prevention program to examine the mediating effects of caregiver mental health on the relationship between neighborhood conditions and child risk-behaviors. Multivariate analyses identify the direct and indirect effects of neighborhood stressors and caregiver mental health on child risk-behavior. Findings suggest that caregivers mitigate the impact of neighborhood conditions on their children, but caregivers' mental health is directly affected by neighborhood conditions. Therefore, caregivers' mental health and well-being must be considered key elements in developing youth risk-behavior interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latoya A. Small
- Department of Social Welfare—Luskin, School of Public Affairs University of California, Los Angeles
| | | | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School– Washington University in St. Louis., St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hadiza L. Osuji
- McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research New York University Silver School of Social Work, New York, New York
| | | | - Arvin Bhana
- University of KwaZulu-Natal Centre for Rural Health
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11
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Webster KD, de Bruyn MM, Zalwango SK, Sikorskii A, Barkin JL, Familiar-Lopez I, Musoke P, Giordani B, Boivin MJ, Ezeamama AE. Caregiver socioemotional health as a determinant of child well-being in school-aged and adolescent Ugandan children with and without perinatal HIV exposure. Trop Med Int Health 2019; 24:608-619. [PMID: 30809898 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Caregiver socio-emotional attributes are major determinants of child well-being. This investigation in vulnerable school-aged Ugandan children estimates relationships between children's well-being and their caregiver's anxiety, depression and social support. METHODS Perinatally HIV-infected, HIV-exposed uninfected and HIV-unexposed Ugandan children and their caregivers were enrolled. Perinatal HIV status was determined by 18 months of age using DNA-polymerase chain-reaction test; status was confirmed via HIV rapid diagnostic test when children were 6-18 years old. Five indicators of child well-being (distress, hopelessness, positive future orientation, esteem and quality of life (QOL)) and caregivers' socioemotional status (depressive symptoms, anxiety and social support) were measured using validated, culturally adapted and translated instruments. Categories based on tertiles of each caregiver psychosocial indicator were defined. Linear regression analyses estimated percent differences (β) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for child well-being in relation to caregiver's psychosocial status. RESULTS As per tertile increment, caregiver anxiety was associated with 2.7% higher distress (95%CI:0.2%, 5.3%) and lower self-esteem/QOL (β = -1.3%/-2.6%; 95%CI: -5.0%,-0.2%) in their children. Child distress/hopelessness increased (β = 3.3%/7.6%; 95%CI:0.4%, 14.7%) and self-esteem/QOL decreased 2.3% (β = -2.3%/-4.4%; 95%CI: -7.2%, -1.3%) as per tertile increment in caregiver depression. Higher caregiver social support was associated with lower distress and higher positive outlook (β = 3%; 95%CI:1.4%, 4.5%) in their children. HIV-infected/exposed children had most caregiver depression-related QOL deficit (β = -5.2%/-6.8%; 95%CI: -12.4%, -0.2%) and HIV-unexposed children had most caregiver social support-related enhancements in positive outlook (β=4.5%; 95%CI:1.9%, 7.1%). CONCLUSIONS Caregiver anxiety, depressive symptoms and low social support were associated with worse well-being in school-aged and adolescent children. Improvement of caregiver mental health and strengthening caregiver social support systems may be a viable strategy for improving well-being of vulnerable children and adolescents in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D Webster
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Miko M de Bruyn
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Sarah K Zalwango
- Directorate of Public Health and Environment, Kampala Capital City Authority, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alla Sikorskii
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer L Barkin
- Department of Community Medicine and Ob/Gyn, Mercer University School of Medicine, Mercer University, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Itziar Familiar-Lopez
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Philippa Musoke
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruno Giordani
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael J Boivin
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Amara E Ezeamama
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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12
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Govender K, Bhana A, McMurray K, Kelly J, Theron L, Meyer-Weitz A, Ward CL, Tomlinson M. A systematic review of the South African work on the well-being of young people (2000-2016). SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 49:52-69. [PMID: 31749505 PMCID: PMC6867138 DOI: 10.1177/0081246318757932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Burgeoning research on the well-being of young people in recent years has made it difficult to identify conceptual gaps in the literature. We conducted a review of South African research in this area to better understand the use and measurement of the construct, as well as factors associated with it. The search of multiple databases identified 28 studies published in academic journals between 2000 and 2016. Within this period, studies that referred to well-being and its related subjective components varied significantly in terms of how they defined and operationalised these constructs, resulting in a fragmented body of work. The review highlights the need for a coherent research agenda in this area given the centrality of well-being research in promoting optimal outcomes in young people. Recommendations for strengthening South African research in this area are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaymarlin Govender
- Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, College of Humanities, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South
Africa
| | - Arvin Bhana
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, South Africa
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal,
South Africa
| | - Kerryn McMurray
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, College of Humanities, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South
Africa
| | - Jane Kelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda Theron
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Anna Meyer-Weitz
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, College of Humanities, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South
Africa
| | | | - Mark Tomlinson
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
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13
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Lentoor AG. The Association of Home Environment and Caregiver Factors With Neurocognitive Function in Pre-school- and School-Aged Perinatally Acquired HIV-Positive Children on cART in South Africa. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:77. [PMID: 30972309 PMCID: PMC6443980 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Children with perinatally acquired HIV in low resource settings are at risk for neurocognitive impairments not only due to the direct effects of HIV on the brain and in utero ART exposure but also due to factors associated with their environment. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the association between home environment and caregiver factors and the neurocognitive function of pre-school- and-school-aged HIV-positive South African children from low resource rural communities. Materials and Methods: The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-III was administered to assess the neurocognitive functioning of 152 purposively sampled perinatally acquired HIV-positive children on cART, aged 3 years to 7 years 6 months (mean age 63.13 months). The primary caregivers (n = 152) completed the Home Screening Questionnaire to assess the quality of the home-environment of the children. Results :The results showed that unfavorable environment, caregiver type, and quality of stimulation in the home were negatively associated with the neurocognitive development of perinatally HIV-positive children on cART. Most of the HIV-positive children (n = 95) were under the care of an extended relative. Older HIV-positive boys, reared by biological mothers, who also lived in suboptimal and poor quality home-environments had poorer neurocognitive function when compared to HIV-positive children reared by non-biological (extended relatives) caregivers, [F (2,149) = 14.42, p < 0.001]. Conclusion: The child's early home environment is associated with general neurocognitive development, which highlights the need for early psychosocial interventions that can promote better cognitive outcomes among children living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio G Lentoor
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
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Raymond JM, Zolnikov TR. AIDS-Affected Orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review on Outcome Differences in Rural and Urban Environments. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:3429-3441. [PMID: 29721717 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2134-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there are more than 11 million AIDS-affected orphans that suffer from various adverse effects, most of whom reside in sub-Saharan Africa. The difference between whether a child resides in a rural or urban environment can have a significant role in a child's education, health status and access to healthcare, and social or family relationships. A scoping review was conducted in order to understand any possible environment-based differences on orphans directly affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. There were 233 sources used for this review; however, 164 manuscripts focused more so on a general review of orphans within a rural or urban environment. Thus, after eliminating for various factors, 69 manuscripts were removed, which focused primarily on the social aspect of orphans due to HIV/AIDS. Rural environments provided more family support, while urban environments generally had more resources available to orphans (e.g. school fees). Unfortunately, both rural and urban environments were found to be fairly non-supportive of orphans and their development. This scoping review found, in general, that orphans in both urban and rural environments continue to suffer from the consequential effects of low parental support due to AIDS mortality. These conclusions suggest that specific support to orphans through school and social relationships encourage better development outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Newland LA, Giger JT, Lawler MJ, Roh S, Brockevelt BL, Schweinle A. Multilevel Analysis of Child and Adolescent Subjective Well-Being Across 14 Countries: Child- and Country-Level Predictors. Child Dev 2018; 90:395-413. [PMID: 30171770 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study tests an ecological, relationship-based model of children's subjective well-being with 9- to 14-year-old children (n = 25,906) from 14 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Children completed the Children's Worlds survey, a self-report measure of contextual and well-being indicators. Multilevel modeling was used to predict children's well-being (life satisfaction and self-image) at two levels, child (age, gender, home context, family relationships, peer relationships, school context, teacher relationships, and neighborhood quality), and country (gross domestic product and income inequality). Findings indicated that intercepts varied significantly across countries. The majority of variance in children's well-being was attributed to child-level rather than country-level factors. Country-level factors did not strongly predict well-being but marginally improved model fit.
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Demoze MB, Angaw DA, Mulat H. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression among Orphan Adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PSYCHIATRY JOURNAL 2018; 2018:5025143. [PMID: 30225242 PMCID: PMC6129368 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5025143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orphan adolescents are a special group of people who are generally deprived and prone to develop psychiatric disorder even if reared in a well-run institution. OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among orphan adolescents living in Addis Ababa orphan centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 among 453 orphan adolescents in Ethiopia. All orphan adolescents who were living in the selected orphan centers were included in the study. The data was collected by interviewing the orphan adolescents at the orphan center by using a structured questionnaire. Kocher adolescent depression scale and MSPSS scale were used to measure orphan level of depression and their perceived social support. After appropriate coding, the collected data had been entered into EPI info version 7 and it was exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. The OR with 95% CI was used to measure association and p value < 0.05 was used as statistically significant value in multivariable binary logistic regressions. RESULT The overall prevalence of depression among the orphan adolescents was found to be 36.4%. The majority of the respondents, 302 (66.7%), were within the age range of 15-19 years. Perceived social support (OR 5.86; 95% CI 3.47, 9.91), community discrimination (OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.58, 4.56), length of stay (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.08, 3.35), age of entrance (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.32, 3.69), and presence of visitors (OR 3.62; 95% CI 2.06, 6.37) were the main variables associated with depression. CONCLUSION The prevalence of depression among orphan adolescents was found to be high. Low level of social support, higher length of stay, community discrimination, the presence of visitors, and younger age of entrance were statistically significant variables to develop depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mekdes Beze Demoze
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dessie Abebaw Angaw
- Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Haregwoin Mulat
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
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Beard J, Skalicky A, Nkosi B, Zhuwau T, Cakwe M, Simon J, DeSilva MB. Challenges of developing a district child welfare plan in South Africa: lessons from a community-engaged HIV/AIDS research project. Glob Health Promot 2018; 27:6-16. [PMID: 29900800 DOI: 10.1177/1757975918774569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The Amajuba Child Health and Wellbeing Research Project measured the impact of orphaning due to HIV/AIDS on South African households between 2004 and 2007. Community engagement was a central component of the project and extended through 2010. We describe researcher engagement with the community to recruit participants, build local buy-in, stimulate interest in study findings, and promote integration of government social welfare services for families and children affected by HIV/AIDS. This narrative documents the experience of researchers, drawing also on project reports, public documents, and published articles, with the objective of documenting lessons learned in this collaboration between researchers from two universities and a community in South Africa during a period that spanned seven years. This experience is then analyzed within the context of an applied research, community-engagement framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Beard
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anne Skalicky
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Busisiwe Nkosi
- School of Public Health, University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tom Zhuwau
- Health Economics and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Mandisa Cakwe
- Health Economics and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Jonathon Simon
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mary Bachman DeSilva
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Westbrook College of Health Professions, University of New England, Portland, ME, USA
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Murray SM, Bolton P, Kane JC, Lakin DP, Skavenski Van Wyk S, Paul R, Murray LK. Measuring Symptoms of Psychopathology in Zambian Orphans and Vulnerable Children: Scale Validation and Psychometric Evaluation. Assessment 2018; 27:1335-1348. [PMID: 29871499 DOI: 10.1177/1073191118780455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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 related to mental or psychosocial health for construct validity. A known-groups validation was conducted using local identifications of youth with and without significant psychosocial problems, and test-retest reliability was assessed. Scales exhibited good internal reliability (α > .80), adequate criterion validity (area under the curve > .70), and moderate test-retest reliability (.62-.68). Findings support the utility of these symptom scales for identifying OVC experiencing significant psychosocial problems in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Bolton
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeremy C Kane
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daniel P Lakin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Ravi Paul
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Laura K Murray
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Akpa O. Multilevel analysis of psychosocial functioning of Adolescents in families affected by HIV/AIDS in Benue state, Nigeria. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH : AJBR 2018; 21:123-131. [PMID: 30190652 PMCID: PMC6122853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Psychosocial functioning is increasing a public health priority issue among young people. Previous reports have focused on the effect of personal health conditions on the psychosocial well-being of children but contextual analysis of environmental or social factors could provide relevant information for interventions. In the context of HIV/AIDS, the present study examined the personal- and contextual-level predictors of Psychosocial Functioning Index (PFI) among adolescents in Benue state, Nigeria. Data on 2,276 adolescents was extracted from a cross-sectional study in Benue State for secondary analysis. The PFI was obtained using the final score of an existing scale (Adolescents Psychosocial Functioning Inventory). Participant's characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics and compared using Chi-square test. Multilevel logit models were used to assess the individual- and contextual-level predictors of the PFI of adolescents. A nominal p-value ≤0.05 was considered significant in all analyses. Participants were 14.77±2.04 years old and mostly female (53.9%). About 19% of the participants have single parents while 62.1% have self-employed mothers. Proportion with elevated PFI was significantly higher among adolescents who have self-employed mothers (84.4%) and alcohol/substance users (82.7%). In adjusted analysis, adolescents who reported alcohol/substance use (OR=1.65; 95%CI: 1.14 to 2.38) were twice more likely to have elevated psychosocial functioning index compared to non-users. The psychosocial functioning index is high among study participants and differs contextually. Adolescent's psychosocial functioning depends on their life styles and parents' marital and economic situations. Family empowerments and other family level intervention programmes will benefit adolescents in these categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- O.M. Akpa
- Author for correspondence: , Tel: +2348073732015
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20
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De Weerdt J, Beegle K, Dercon S. Orphanhood and Self-Esteem: An 18-Year Longitudinal Study From an HIV-Affected Area in Tanzania. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 76:225-230. [PMID: 28777261 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HIV epidemic exacerbated the prevalence of prime-aged adult death in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in increased rates of orphanhood. Little is known about whether this will coincide with adverse psychosocial well-being in adulthood for those who were orphaned at childhood. METHODS We studied a cohort of 1108 children from Kagera, a region of Tanzania that was heavily affected by HIV early in the epidemic. During the baseline data collection in 1991-1994, these children were aged 0-16 years and had both parents alive. We followed them roughly 16-19 years later in 2010, by which time 531 children (36%) had lost either one or both parents before their 19th birthday. We compared the 2010 10-item Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) score between children who lost a parent before the age of 19 and those who did not. We used the baseline data to control for preorphanhood confounders. This is important because we find that children who will lose their fathers in the future before age 19 came from somewhat lower socioeconomic backgrounds. RESULTS We found no correlation between maternal death and self-esteem measured through RSES. Paternal death was strongly correlated with lower levels of self-esteem (0.2 SDs lower RSES 95% confidence interval: 0.059 to 0.348), and the correlation was stronger when the death occurred during the child's teenage years. These effects are a net of socioeconomic differences that existed before the orphanhood event. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports the further development and piloting of programs that address psychosocial problems of orphans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim De Weerdt
- *IOB, University of Antwerp and KU Leuven, Belgium; †World Bank, Ghana; and ‡Blavatnik School of Government and Department of Economics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
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Ohnishi M, Leshabari S, Ambikile JS, Oishi K, Nakao Y, Nishihara M. Associations among anthropometric measures, food consumption, and quality of life in school-age children in Tanzania. J Rural Med 2017; 12:38-45. [PMID: 28593016 PMCID: PMC5458351 DOI: 10.2185/jrm.2924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The factors associated with quality of life (QOL) and
anthropometric measurements as outcomes of food consumption were examined among school-age
children in Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in September 2013 in
Tanzania. Anonymous self-administered questionnaire surveys were conducted in the
Kiswahili language among primary school children in the fifth and/or sixth grade aged
10–14 years. The survey probed sociodemographic characteristics such as age, gender,
living with family members, number of meals/snacks per day, food consumption in the
previous 24 hours, and QOL, as well as anthropometric measurements (height and weight).
The Rohrer index was calculated based on height and weight. After presenting the mean and
standard deviation (SD) of height, weight, and the Rohrer index score by age and gender,
the Rohrer index score was categorized into three groups (low weight, normal weight, and
overweight) and analyzed according to sociodemographic characteristics and food
consumption using the chi-square test. Furthermore, the QOL score was analyzed using the
t test. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to analyze the
associations between the QOL score and sociodemographic characteristics and food
consumption. Results: A total of 694 children (male: 312; female: 382) participated in
this study. According to the Rohrer index, 273 (39.3%) children were classified as low
weight, 353 (50.9%) were normal weight, and 68 (9.8%) were overweight. A total of 459
(66.1%) children reported having had three or more meals and/or snacks on the day before
the study. In addition, 127 (18.3%) children had not eaten any protein-rich food on the
day before the study, although almost all had eaten at least one carbohydrate-rich food
per day. Regardless of region, location, gender, and age, living without parents was
associated with short stature (P = 0.010). A high QOL score was
associated with having three or more meals and/or snacks per day (P <
0.001). Conclusions: The security of physiological needs such as a guarantee of
three meals per day could contribute to higher QOL among underserved children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Ohnishi
- Unit of Rehabilitation Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
| | - Sebalada Leshabari
- School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania
| | - Joel Seme Ambikile
- School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania
| | - Kazuyo Oishi
- Unit of Nursing, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
| | - Yuko Nakao
- Unit of Nursing, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Mika Nishihara
- Unit of Nursing, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
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Ramaiya MK, Sullivan KA, O' Donnell K, Cunningham CK, Shayo AM, Mmbaga BT, Dow DE. A Qualitative Exploration of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Contexts of HIV-Positive Adolescents in Tanzania. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165936. [PMID: 27851797 PMCID: PMC5112865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although 85% of HIV-positive adolescents reside in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about the psychosocial and mental health factors affecting their daily well-being. Identifying these contextual variables is key to development of culturally appropriate and effective interventions for this understudied and high-risk population. The purpose of this study was to identify salient psychosocial and mental health challenges confronted by HIV-positive youth in a resource-poor Tanzanian setting. A total of 24 qualitative interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of adolescents aged 12–24 receiving outpatient HIV care at a medical center in Moshi, Tanzania. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis. Psychosocial challenges identified included loss of one or more parents, chronic domestic abuse, financial stressors restricting access to medical care and education, and high levels of internalized and community stigma among peers and other social contacts. Over half of youth (56%) reported difficulties coming to terms with their HIV diagnosis and espoused related feelings of self-blame. These findings highlight the urgent need to develop culturally proficient programs aimed at helping adolescents cope with these manifold challenges. Results from this study guided the development of Sauti ya Vijana (The Voice of Youth), a 10-session group mental health intervention designed to address the psychosocial and mental health needs of HIV-positive Tanzanian youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K. Ramaiya
- Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kristen A. Sullivan
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Karen O' Donnell
- Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for Child & Family Health, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Coleen K. Cunningham
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Aisa M. Shayo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Dorothy E. Dow
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
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Danhoundo G, Khanlou N. Family Ties and Mental Health of Orphans in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Does the Gender of the Dead Parent Matter? Int J Ment Health Addict 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-016-9717-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Huy BV, Teeraananchai S, Oanh LN, Tucker J, Kurniati N, Hansudewechakul R, Truong KH, Khol V, Nguyen LV, Chau Do V, Lumbiganon P, Kongstan N, Bunupuradah T, Sudjaritruk T, Kumarasamy N, Yusoff NKN, Mohd Razali KA, Wati DK, Fong MS, Nallusamy R, Kariminia A, Sohn AH. Impact of orphan status on HIV treatment outcomes and retention in care of children and adolescents in Asia. J Virus Erad 2016; 2:227-231. [PMID: 27781105 PMCID: PMC5075350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An analysis of the impact of orphanhood at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation on HIV outcomes in Asia included 4300 children; 51% were male. At ART initiation, 1805 (42%) were non-orphans (median age: 3 years), 1437 (33%) were single orphans (6 years) and 1058 (25%) were double orphans (7 years). Ten-year post-ART survival was 93.4-95.2% across orphan categories. Clinic transfers were higher among single and double orphans than non-orphans (41% vs 11%, P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, children ≥3 years at ART initiation (hazard ratio 1.58 vs <3 years, 95% confidence interval: 1.11-2.24) were more likely to be lost to follow-up. Although post-ART mortality and retention did not differ by orphan status, orphans were at greater risk of starting ART at older ages, and with more severe immunosuppression and poorer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bui Vu Huy
- Hanoi Medical University,
Hanoi,
Vietnam;
| | | | - Le Ngoc Oanh
- Worldwide Orphans Foundation,
Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam;
| | - John Tucker
- New Hope for Cambodian Children,
Phnom Penh,
Cambodia;
| | - Nia Kurniati
- Cipto Mangunkusumo – Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia,
Jakarta,
Indonesia;
| | | | | | - Vohith Khol
- National Centre for HIV/AIDS Dermatology and STDs and University of Health Sciences,
Phnom Penh,
Cambodia;
| | | | - Viet Chau Do
- Children's Hospital 2,
Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam;
| | - Pagakrong Lumbiganon
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine,
Khon Kaen University,
Khon Kaen,
Thailand;
| | - Nantaka Kongstan
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital,
Mahidol University,
Bangkok,
Thailand;
| | | | - Tavitiya Sudjaritruk
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine,
Chiang Mai University and Research Institute for Health Sciences,
Chiang Mai,
Thailand;
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT Asia/amfAR – The Foundation for AIDS Research,
Bangkok,
Thailand.,Corresponding author: Annette H Sohn,
TREAT Asia/amfAR,
388 Sukhumvit Road, 2104 Klongtoey,
Bangkok10110,
Thailand
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25
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Impact of orphan status on HIV treatment outcomes and retention in care of children and adolescents in Asia. J Virus Erad 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30875-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Tucker LA, Govender K, Kuo C, Casale M, Cluver L. Child prosociality within HIV-affected contexts: The impact of carer ill-health and orphan status. VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND YOUTH STUDIES 2016; 11:352-362. [PMID: 29743931 PMCID: PMC5937282 DOI: 10.1080/17450128.2016.1226530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Considerable attention has been provided to the potential adverse outcomes for youth in the context of HIV and AIDS. Using data from a large community-based study on the psychosocial well-being of youth affected by HIV and AIDS, this paper advances a strength-based, resiliency perspective that is centred on the construct of prosociality. Data was derived from the Young Carers South Africa Project, where a cross-sectional household survey was conducted with 2,477 child-carer pairs in an HIV endemic community in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Analysis in this paper focuses on a subset of 2,136 child-carer pairs. Perceptions of child prosociality were assessed using the Prosocial Scale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Both child and carer responses were obtained to provide insight into the functioning of carer-child dyads. Descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted to explore ratings of child prosociality across different relational contexts affected by HIV and involving care for orphaned youths. Dual-affected households, where carers are ill with opportunistic infections and youth are orphaned due to AIDS, yielded the highest discrepancies with carers reporting low child prosociality and children self-reporting high prosociality. Carer ill health appears to play a role in differentiating child prosociality across relational contexts involving non-orphaned youth. Further research is needed to explore child prosociality as a protective mechanism in high HIV-endemic communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Adams Tucker
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kaymarlin Govender
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, Durban, South Africa
| | - Caroline Kuo
- Brown University, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Providence, USA
| | - Marisa Casale
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Oxford University, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Doku PN, Minnis H. Multi-informant perspective on psychological distress among Ghanaian orphans and vulnerable children within the context of HIV/AIDS. Psychol Med 2016; 46:2329-2336. [PMID: 27270076 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716000829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little knowledge about the psychosocial distress of children affected by human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Ghana, to aid the planning of services. This study investigated mental health problems among children affected by HIV/AIDS, compared with control groups of children orphaned by other causes, and non-orphans. METHOD The study employed a cross-sectional survey that interviewed 291 children and their caregivers. Both children and caregivers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire that measured children's psychosocial wellbeing. Verbal autopsy was used to identify whether children lost one or both parents from AIDS. RESULTS The results indicated that controlling for relevant sociodemographic factors, both children's self-reports and caregivers' reports indicate that both children living with HIV/AIDS-infected caregivers and children orphaned by AIDS were at heightened risk for mental health problems than both children orphaned by other causes and non-orphans. The findings further indicated that a significant proportion of orphaned and vulnerable children exhibited symptoms for depression and other psychiatric disorders (approximately 63%) compared with 7% among the non-orphaned group. Caregivers gave higher ratings for children on externalizing problems and lower on internalizing problems, and vice versa when the children's self-reports were analysed. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that both children and their informants have diverse yet complementary perspectives on psychological outcomes. The study discusses the theoretical and practical implications of these findings and urgently calls for necessary intervention programmes that target all children affected by HIV/AIDS to effectively alleviate psychological distress and enhance the mental health of these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- P N Doku
- Department of Psychology,University of Ghana,Box LG 84, Legon, Accra,Ghana
| | - H Minnis
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Mental Health and Wellbeing,Glasgow G12 0XH,UK
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Toska E, Gittings L, Hodes R, Cluver LD, Govender K, Chademana KE, Gutiérrez VE. Resourcing resilience: social protection for HIV prevention amongst children and adolescents in Eastern and Southern Africa. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH : AJAR 2016; 15:123-40. [PMID: 27399042 PMCID: PMC5558245 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2016.1194299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents are the only age group with growing AIDS-related morbidity and mortality in Eastern and Southern Africa, making HIV prevention research among this population an urgent priority. Structural deprivations are key drivers of adolescent HIV infection in this region. Biomedical interventions must be combined with behavioural and social interventions to alleviate the socio-structural determinants of HIV infection. There is growing evidence that social protection has the potential to reduce the risk of HIV infection among children and adolescents. This research combined expert consultations with a rigorous review of academic and policy literature on the effectiveness of social protection for HIV prevention among children and adolescents, including prevention for those already HIV-positive. The study had three goals: (i) assess the evidence on the effectiveness of social protection for HIV prevention, (ii) consider key challenges to implementing social protection programmes that promote HIV prevention, and (iii) identify critical research gaps in social protection and HIV prevention, in Eastern and Southern Africa. Causal pathways of inequality, poverty, gender and HIV risk require flexible and responsive social protection mechanisms. Results confirmed that HIV-inclusive child-and adolescent-sensitive social protection has the potential to interrupt risk pathways to HIV infection and foster resilience. In particular, empirical evidence (literature and expert feedback) detailed the effectiveness of combination social protection particularly cash/in-kind components combined with "care" and "capability" among children and adolescents. Social protection programmes should be dynamic and flexible, and consider age, gender, HIV-related stigma, and context, including cultural norms, which offer opportunities to improve programmatic coverage, reach and uptake. Effective HIV prevention also requires integrated social protection policies, developed through strong national government ownership and leadership. Future research should explore which combinations of social protection work for sub-groups of children and adolescents, particularly those living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elona Toska
- AIDS and Society Research Unit, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, 4.26 Leslie Social Sciences Building,12 University Avenue, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, Western Cape, South Africa
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford Barnett House, 32 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2ER, UK
| | - Lesley Gittings
- AIDS and Society Research Unit, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, 4.26 Leslie Social Sciences Building,12 University Avenue, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, Western Cape, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Hodes
- AIDS and Society Research Unit, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, 4.26 Leslie Social Sciences Building,12 University Avenue, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Lucie D. Cluver
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, J-Block, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Kaymarlin Govender
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - KE Chademana
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17 Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vincent Evans Gutiérrez
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
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George CRG, Mucheuki C, Govender K, Quinlan T. Psychosocial and health risk outcomes among orphans and non-orphans in mixed households in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2015.1095774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Uptake and yield of HIV testing and counselling among children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:20182. [PMID: 26471265 PMCID: PMC4607700 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.20182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years children and adolescents have emerged as a priority for HIV prevention and care services. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the acceptability, yield and prevalence of HIV testing and counselling (HTC) strategies in children and adolescents (5 to 19 years) in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS An electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health and conference abstract databases. Studies reporting on HTC acceptability, yield and prevalence and published between January 2004 and September 2014 were included. Pooled proportions for these three outcomes were estimated using a random effects model. A quality assessment was conducted on included studies. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 16,380 potential citations were identified, of which 21 studies (23 entries) were included. Most studies were conducted in Kenya (n=5) and Uganda (n=5) and judged to provide moderate (n=15) to low quality (n=7) evidence, with data not disaggregated by age. Seven studies reported on provider-initiated testing and counselling (PITC), with the remainder reporting on family-centred (n=5), home-based (n=5), outreach (n=5) and school-linked HTC among primary schoolchildren (n=1). PITC among inpatients had the highest acceptability (86.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 65.5 to 100%), yield (12.2%; 95% CI: 6.1 to 18.3%) and prevalence (15.4%; 95% CI: 5.0 to 25.7%). Family-centred HTC had lower acceptance compared to home-based HTC (51.7%; 95% CI: 10.4 to 92.9% vs. 84.9%; 95% CI: 74.4 to 95.4%) yet higher prevalence (8.4%; 95% CI: 3.4 to 13.5% vs. 3.0%; 95% CI: 1.0 to 4.9%). School-linked HTC showed poor acceptance and low prevalence. CONCLUSIONS While PITC may have high test acceptability priority should be given to evaluating strategies beyond healthcare settings (e.g. home-based HTC among families) to identify individuals earlier in their disease progression. Data on linkage to care and cost-effectiveness of HTC strategies are needed to strengthen policies.
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Braitstein P. Institutional Care of Children in Low- and Middle-Income Settings: Challenging the Conventional Wisdom of Oliver Twist. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2015; 3:330-2. [PMID: 26374794 PMCID: PMC4570007 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-15-00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Whether institutions or extended families are better suited to care for orphans depends on the specific circumstances. Reported rates of traumatic experiences among orphans and vulnerable children are high in both institutions and extended families; improving the quality of care for such children should be the paramount priority in all settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Braitstein
- University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to general children, orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are more exposed to negative outcomes in life such as abuse and neglect. Consequently, OVC are more susceptible to depression. This paper investigated factors associated with depressive symptoms among OVC in Cambodia. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, data of 606 OVC from the Sustainable Action against HIV and AIDS in Communities (SAHACOM) project were analyzed. The data were collected from five provinces and analyzed separately for boys and girls. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with levels of depressive symptoms. RESULTS Both boys and girls who reported having been too sick making them unable to attend school or go to work in the past six months (boys: B = 3.5; 95 % CI = 0.7, 6.2; girls: B = 5.7; 95 % CI = 2.9, 8.5) and who had witnessed violence in the family (boys: B = 5.6; 95 % CI = 1.6, 9.6; girls: B = 5.8; 95 % CI = 1.7, 9.9) had a higher level of depressive symptoms. Girls who were older (B = 8.5; 95 % CI = 3.0, 14.0), who did not have enough food in the past six months (B = -8.7; 95 % CI = -13.7, -3.7) and whose parents were separated, divorced or dead (B = 3.9; 95 % CI = 0.5, 7.2) had a higher level of depressive symptoms. Higher level of school attachment was negatively associated with depressive symptoms in both genders (boys: B = -1.4; 95 % CI = -2.0, -0.9; girls: B = -1.4; 95 % CI = -2.0,-0.9). CONCLUSIONS Factors such as physical health and exposure to violence may affect mental health of OVC in Cambodia. As health is of utmost importance, better healthcare services should be made easily accessible for OVC. Schools have the potential to act as a buffer against depressive symptoms. Therefore, efforts should be made to keep OVC in school and to improve the roles of school in Cambodia.
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