AEGiS-15IAC: Contrasting primary school outcomes of paternal and maternal orphans in Manicaland, Zimbabwe: HIV/AIDS and weaknesses in the extended family system.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Contrasting primary school outcomes of paternal and maternal orphans in Manicaland, Zimbabwe: HIV/AIDS and weaknesses in the extended family system.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. WePeD6587)

Gregson S, Nyamukapa CA, Wambe M
Imperial College, London, United Kingdom

BACKGROUND: Orphans' education may depend on the duration and form of orphanhood and on cultural and other factors affecting extended families' care arrangements.

METHODS: Statistical analysis of data on parental survival, household circumstances and school education from a population census of 2,402 children aged 13-15 years in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, 1998-2000. Systematic analysis (using N5) of data collected in 2002 on extended family care arrangements from in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 51 pairs of children and caregivers stratified by sex and orphan status, Government and NGO representatives, and community leaders.

RESULTS: 9.4%, 1.7% and 1.4% of children had lost their father only, mother only and both parents. Orphans were found disproportionately (relative to adult HIV prevalence) in rural areas. After adjusting for household socio-economic status, sex and education of household head, and relationship to head of household, greater time since maternal death was associated with lower chances of primary school completion (OR, 0.90; p=0.013); time since paternal death showed no detrimental effect (OR, 1.09; p=0.001). Qualitative investigations identified 3 explanations: when a father is alive, the extended family expect him to meet his children's needs; surviving fathers (and their current spouses) are less committed than surviving mothers to securing their children's education and prioritise the needs of children from subsequent marriages; and selection criteria applied by government and other welfare programmes tend to exclude children whose fathers are alive.

CONCLUSIONS: Extended family arrangements for orphans are under growing stress as numbers (particularly maternal orphans) continue to increase. Programmes to support these arrangements must be strengthened in rural communities where families typically bring up orphans. Where households are prioritised for assistance, non-resident family members' ability and willingness to assist should be considered.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Foster Home Care, HIV Seropositivity, Family, Schools, Mothers, Fatigue, Asthenia, Prevalence, Paresis, Family Characteristics, Zimbabwe, Parents, Fathers, Caregivers, Demography, Child Rearing, Health Services Needs and Demand, Child, Humans, Adult

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WePeD6587