Problems, Coping, Resilience and Support of AIDS Orphans: Comparison of the Experiences of Younger and Older Orphaned-Children
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Date
2006-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Orphaned children are vulnerable in many ways; hence, they require special care and
support. The purpose of this research was to investigate the psychosocial status
(problems, coping and resilience) of these children and the support provided to them .
The paper also attempted to compare the experiences of younger and older children on
these issues. A Sample of 66 full orphnned-children (younger==31, 0Ider==35) were
considered for data collection (girls==31, boys==35). Structured interview and focus
group discussions were the tools used for data collection. In addition, data were
collected fronz guardians' interview and focus group discussions.
Findings suggested that sick parents did not openly communicate with their children
about their disease and hence children had little death expectation. After parental
death, it is the guardians who played decisive role in the life of the orphaned-children.
During parental death, younger children did not show any clear reaction but obsessed
with the event and older children get disturbed as if it was the end of their life and
expressed their deep sorrow. Sometime latter, orphaned-children securely attached to
guardians; because of the confidence they built on. Thus, children become resilient
while living withJheir guardians. Of course, in some instances, this resilience seems
to be threatened like when, for example, facing discrimination by outsiders or when
dead parents 'were insulted. Besides guardians' all rounded support, NGOs are also
providing economic support by covering education fee, buying uniforms and
rendering token money on monthly basis that can minimize family expenses .
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children are vulnerable in many ways