Behavioral Outcomes of Children Left Behind Due to Parental Migration in South Wollo, Ethiopia (Implications for Intervention)
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2023-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study investigated the behavioral outcomes of LBC as a result of parental migration in Southern Wollo , Ethiopia. Accordingly, a concurrent mixed method was employed to address the objectives of the study. A total of 360 children whose mother, father, and both parents migrants were selected from two woredas in southern Wollo by using a stratified sampling method. 360 children living with both parents were also selected in the same weredas for comparison purposes. For the qualitative data 12 caregivers,18 teachers, and 13 LBC were also selected purposely. Behavioral outcomes of children were assessed by using the strength and difficulty questionnaire (SDQ). Interview and focus group guides were also used to explore the perception of caregivers, teachers, and left-behind children about parental migration and its consequences. The findings demonstrated that a significant mean difference was found between LBC due to parental migration and children living with both parents t (718) =24.64, p <0.01. The mean score of the behavioral outcome of LBC as measured by SDQ was significantly higher than children of non-migrating parents. A statistically significant mean difference was also observed between the migration status of parents (the migration of fathers, mother migrants, and both parent migrants) F= F(2, 357)=19.18, P<.01. The results suggest that a mother migrant and both parents migrant left behind children experienced behavioral outcomes significantly higher than children whose fathers migrated. Children of migrant mothers and both parent migrants showed nearly similar and higher behavioral difficulties as compared to children of father migrants. Furthermore, a significant mean difference was observed among the children left behind and cared for by different caregivers grandparents, mother only, father only, relatives, non-relatives, and children living alone ) F(5,354)=21.64, P<.01. The score of behavioral outcomes of children cared for by mothers and grandparents showed significantly lower than the other groups of caregivers providing care for LBC. Children cared for by mothers and grandparents look more advantaged than the other groups of LBC. The qualitative data from teachers and caregivers showed that LBC experienced isolation, longing, sadness, and lack of motivation in schooling following their parents’ migration. Children also reported that even if they understand the reasons for their parents' migration they faced various behavioral, social, and emotional. To conclude compared to children of the non-migrating parent, children of migrating parents showed behavioral problems. To mitigate the problem, families, governmental and non-governmental organizations that have a stake in children's lives shall play an important role. Intervention strategies should also be designed for children affected by parental migration.
Description
Keywords
Children Left Behind Due to Parental Migration