Child abuse and neglect among orphaned children and youth living in extended families in sub-Saharan Africa: What have we learned from qualitative inquiry?

Abstract

Researchers and aid organizations have reported that orphans in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect. This article is a review of qualitative studies that address experiences of maltreatment among orphaned children and youth living in extended families in SSA. It aims to inform policy and programming by providing a better understanding of the types of maltreatment encountered and the perceived risk factors. A literature search was carried out using Google, PubMed, Scholars Portal Search and Scopus. Searches of relevant bibliographies and publications of authors were also undertaken. Studies from peer-reviewed journals and the grey literature were reviewed for relevance and quality. Eligible studies had to include orphans living with extended family in SSA as participants, explore their maltreatment experiences and employ a sound qualitative methodology. Findings were coded, extracted, compared and synthesized. Twenty articles, representing 15 studies, were selected. These studies, from diverse SSAn countries, reported similar forms of maltreatment among orphaned children and youth: experiences of intra-household discrimination; material and educational neglect; excessive child labour; exploitation by family members and psychological, sexual and physical abuse. The perceived risk factors were poverty, living with a non-biological caregiver, stigma and alcohol abuse. The findings of the included studies suggest that awareness, prevention and intervention initiatives aimed to curb child abuse and neglect within communities in SSA are needed and should be coupled with efforts to promote education and reduce poverty and stigma.

Violence against children who have left home, lived on the street and been domestic workers — A study of reintegrated children in Kagera Region, Tanzania

“…Other research has also shown a similar link between being abandoned orphans and turning to the street (Evans, 2005). Orphanhood did not indicate a higher level of violence, in contrast to earlier research from SubSaharan Africa which showed that orphans in general, especially paternal orphans, had a higher risk of violence (Nichols et al, 2014;Morantz et al, 2013). Many of the children who decided to leave home did it due to mistreatment which might explain the difference in result (Olsson, 2016;Benitez, 2007).…”

“…c o m / l o c a t e / c h i l d y o u t h 2016). Earlier research from Sub-Saharan Africa has shown that being an orphan can be associated with a higher risk of being subjected to violence (Morantz et al, 2013, Nichols et al, 2014.…”

A School Support Intervention and Educational Outcomes Among Orphaned Adolescents: Results of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Kenya

“…While some researchers have found significant impacts on test scores (Baird et al, 2011), the present finding is consistent with another orphan study using a standardized national test (Iritani et al, 2016). Orphaned youth may not be able to take full advantage of learning while attending school due to their lack of emotional support or even abuse by their caregivers and low educational expectations (Coneus, Mülenweg, & Stichnoth 2014; Evans 2002; Goldberg & Short 2012; Morantz et al, 2013; Ng’weshemi et al, 2002). In addition, unstable housing, caring for sick caretakers, taking on adult responsibilities at home, or other disadvantages that orphan youth face may contribute to their poor performance (Carrol & Boker 2003).…”

Risk for Coerced Sex Among Female Youth in Ghana: Roles of Family Context, School Enrollment and Relationship Experience

“…58–60 Conversely, although the evidence is inconsistent, 61,62 some data indicate that youth who are fostered out to extended family (a common practice throughout Africa 63 ) may experience lower levels of behavioral control, relationship quality and financial support, and may experience more conflict with household adults, than youth who reside with biological parents, resulting in lower levels of well-being. 64,65 Other evidence, however, suggests that the effects of child fosterage may be more complex and may depend on the specifics of the fostering arrangement and the circumstances surrounding it. 62 For example, families that have fewer financial resources may be less able to provide financial support to their youth or to keep them in school.…”