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

Abstract

Swaziland has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalences in the world, which has contributed to many Swazi children being left as "orphans and vulnerable children" (OVC). In 2010, there were 78,000 AIDS orphans in the country and the number is expected to increase given the current HIV prevalence. The WHO aims to close the gap in a generation and eliminate health inequality; as a result the Swazi Government began in 2005 to provide financial support to the education of OVC. Prior research has indicated that household characteristics are some of the major determinants with respect to schooling status among children. We have examined the association between household characteristics and schooling status of OVC. Schooling status may vary by gender and by age, as well as by other sociodemographic factors, in sub-Saharan African societies, and therefore we have also included a comprehensive set of appropriate variables in all of our multivariate analyses. Using existing data from the Swaziland Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2010, a total of 5890 children aged 7-18 years old were analyzed. The results from the multivariate logistic regressions showed that non-OVC were more likely than OVC to be in school (OR = 2.18, p < 0.001), even after taking other variables into considerations. The OVC in socioeconomically disadvantaged households, such as those with lower levels of household wealt, and those who resided in an urban area, were less likely to be in school. These findings suggest that education programs for OVC need to be household-appropriate.

Environmental Risks Associated with Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Infection among Preschool Children in North-Western and South-Southern Nigeria Communities

“…These were related to family socio-demographic background and consisted of the child’s gender (male and female), age (<1, 1–2, and 3–5 years), birth order (1–3, 4–6 and >6), their mother’s education (no education, primary education, or secondary education) and their mother’s religion (Christianity, Islam or Traditionalist). These covariates have often been linked to symptoms of ARI in earlier studies [ 10 , 17 , 21 ].…”

Cost Utility of Supporting Family-Based Care to Prevent HIV and Deaths among Orphaned and Separated Children in East Africa: A Markov Model–Based Simulation

“… 29 , 37 Lastly, this analysis was concerned with estimating the cost-effectiveness of family-based care in terms of the ability of these settings to prevent HIV and death among orphans and vulnerable children who would otherwise be on the street. The ICERs from this analysis would likely change if nonclinical outcomes (e.g., educational attainment 38 , 39 ) were considered. Our ICER estimates are also limited by the data available related to the costs of the growing number of street-connected youth in Kenya.…”

Identification of gaps for implementation science in the HIV prevention, care and treatment cascade; a qualitative study in 19 districts in Uganda

“…The needs of these OVCs are varied in nature and a survey in Nigeria showed over 60 % were living in a dilapidated shelter. More data indicates OVCs are at higher risk for poor social protection, even when care is given in a family setting [ 44 ]. Asset ownership among households caring for an orphan has been shown to reduce social vulnerability of these children [ 45 ], hence offsetting some potential adverse outcomes.…”