Extended families and perceived caregiver support to AIDS orphans in Rakai district of Uganda

Abstract

Purpose 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.

The role of perceived social support in loneliness and self-esteem among children affected by HIV/AIDS

“…Extended families were still the main resources of social support to AIDS orphans [35]. Peer support and affiliations at school may also be emotionally beneficial and play a key protective role in the lives of AIDS orphans [36–38].…”

The Effects of parental loss on the psychosocial wellbeing of AIDS-orphaned children living in AIDS-impacted communities: Does gender matter?

“…These circumstances negatively impact children’s access to basic needs including food, shelter, health, education and schooling needs (Foster & Williamson, 2000; Steinberg, Johnson, Schierhout, & Ndegwa, 2002). Unfortunately, the extended family system that hitherto provided care and support to AIDS-orphaned children is so overwhelmed by the high numbers of orphans that many are unwilling to take in more orphans (Foster, 2000; Ssewamala & Ismayilova, 2009; Ntozi & Nakayiwa, 1999; Madhavan, 2004; Karimli, Ssewamala & Ismayilova, 2012; Lund & Agyey-Mensah, 2008). As a consequence, child-headed households are increasing and more children are dropping out of school to work.…”

Closing the health gap in a generation: exploring the association between household characteristics and schooling status among orphans and vulnerable children in Swaziland

“…Owing to the HIV epidemic, grandparents are a major source of childcare in most African countries (Mathambo & Gibbs, 2009), which leaves most households missing the middle generation (Karimli, Ssewamala, & Ismayilova, 2012). As grandparents have lost their support mechanisms in the form of their own children, this circumstance makes their grandchildren more vulnerable because these children may also have to assist with daily housework and farm chores (Xu et al, 2010).…”