Psychosocial support and marginalization of youth-headed households in Rwanda

Abstract

This research aims to characterize the psychosocial aspects of well-being among youth-headed households (YHH) in Gikongoro, Rwanda, through examination of social support and marginalization. Data is presented on perceived availability of support from relatives, an unidentified adult, peers, and other community members and an index of social marginalization. A total of 692 interviews were completed with YHH age 13-24 who are beneficiaries of a basic needs program. Sixteen percent of youth reported there was no one they felt they could go to with a problem. In times of need, only 24% felt relatives would help them, while 57% felt neighbors would offer assistance. Most youth reported significant caring relationships: 73% reported access to trusted adult who offers them advice and guidance, and most indicated close peer relationships. However, many youth also perceived a lack of community support, with 86% feeling rejected by the community and 57% feeling the community would rather hurt them than help them. Social support is a low-cost critical resource for the care of vulnerable youth and an understanding of existing social support networks would enhance the design and implementation of psychosocial and community-based care initiatives.

Community interventions providing care and support to orphans and vulnerable children: a review of evaluation evidence

“…At least one study [17] had aimed to conduct a baseline but was unable to do so due to logistical and resource constraints. Two of the studies AIDS Care 929 [5] Malawi Á Orphan Care Activities (Ledward et al, 2001) [6] Rwanda Á FXB Village Model (Desmond, 2007;Wilson & Berkman, 2007) [7] Rwanda Á Mentoring Youth-Headed Households (Brown et al, 2005;Boris et al, 2006;Horizons, 2007aHorizons, , 2007bThurman et al, 2006b) [8] South Africa Á Costing (Desmond & Gow, 2001;Desmond et al, 2002) [9] Tanzania Á CARE Tumaini Programme Assessment (Attawell et al, 2005;MEASURE Evaluation, 2007) [10] Tanzania Á Most Vulnerable Children (Mhamba, 2004) [11] Tanzania Á Vijana Simama Imara (VSI) (Clacherty & Donald, 2005) [16] Zambia Á Bwafwano Programme Chatterji et al, 2007;Dougherty et al, 2005) [17] Zambia Á Chikankata Programme (Mulenga, 2002) [18] Zambia Á Reaching AIDS-affected People with Integrated Development and Support (RAPIDS) (Population Council, 2006b;Population Council, 2008;RAPIDS, 2006;Schenk et al, 2008aSchenk et al, , 2008b [19] Zimbabwe Á Families, Orphans and Children Under Stress (FOCUS) (Drew et al, 1998;Foster et al, 1995;Foster et al, 1996;Foster et al, 1997aFoster et al, , 1997bFoster, 2002b;Lee, 1999;Lee et al, 2002) [20] Zimbabwe Á Psychosocial support interventions (Gilborn et al, 2006) n/a [16,18] employed multiple (two) rounds of data collection following intervention introduction, in order to track change trajectories during programme implementation. Without baseline data, four...…”

“…[7] Rwanda Á Mentoring YouthHeaded Households (Brown et al, 2005;Boris et al, 2006;Horizons, 2007aHorizons, , 2007bThurman et al, 2006b) Implemented by World Vision. Evaluated by Rwanda School of Public Health, Tulane University, Horizons.…”

HIV-Associated Orphanhood and Children’s Psychosocial Distress: Theoretical Framework Tested With Data From Zimbabwe

“…[27][28][29][30] Similar questions have been used successfully in studies in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, 31 and other settings in sub-Saharan Africa. 10,[32][33][34][35] Principle components analysis 36 was used to reduce the number of variables and to identify the underlying structure. We conducted separate analyses for social connectedness and psychosocial distress variables.…”

Enrolling HIV-positive adolescents in mental health research: A case study reflecting on legal and ethical complexities

“…[44,45] In our study, the overwhelming majority of adolescents expressed relief and gratitude in being able to tell their story and did not report experiencing the interview as stressfulechoing findings in other studies of HIV-affected children. [46][47][48] The African Charter on the Rights and Responsibilities of the Child recognises rights to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health and scientific research. The right to life and the right to access to healthcare rank among the most fundamental of the human rights guaranteed by international human rights.…”