Vulnerability of street-involved children and youth in semi-rural Kenya: does orphan status matter?
Abstract
The vulnerability of street-involved children and youth (SICY) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to adverse childhood events is well documented. Associations between orphanhood and multiple types of vulnerability have also been demonstrated. Whether type of orphanhood is associated with adverse events experienced during childhood or is predictive of psychosocial health is still unclear. Maua Methodist Hospital conducted a cross-sectional survey of 53 semi-rural SICY. Multiple indicators of vulnerability, including educational attainment, income, food security, adverse childhood events and psychosocial health (resilience, self-esteem, depression and self-efficacy), were analysed to determine differences between orphan status groups. Though not statistically significant, paternal and double orphans reported several factors that suggested greater vulnerability to adverse experiences and outcomes on the streets. Maternal and double orphans reported significantly more adverse childhood experiences than paternal orphans, suggesting survival of the mother may be a protective factor. Double orphans had significantly higher depression scores than each of the other orphan groups. Within a rescue and rehabilitation program, children who have lost both parents may need extra psychological support and intervention. Paternal and double orphans still living on the street may face greater obstacles to escaping street life and are a high priority for both prevention and intervention programming.
Categories: Psychology Sociology
Other articles
Prevalence of Behavioral and Emotional Disorders among the Orphans and Factors Associated with these Disorders
Background: Orphans are the special group of children who are generally deprived and prone to develop psychiatric disorders…
Read moreINFLUENCE OF STIGMATIZATION ON PSYCHOSOCIAL WELL-BEING OF HIV/AIDS ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA
Stigmatization puts HIV/AIDS Orphans and Vulnerable Children at risk physically emotionally, socially and economically HIV/AIDS…
Read moreSocial protection for orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe: The case for cash transfers
The unprecedented number of orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe has created an urgent need to create innovative…
Read moreParental Death During Childhood and Subsequent School Performance
OBJECTIVES: Parental death during childhood has been linked to increased mortality and mental health problems in adulthood.…
Read more