The Psychosocial Well-Being of Aids Orphan and Vulnerable Children in the Three Different Orphanages in Addis Ababa
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Date
2015-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to explore the psychosocial wellbeing of AIDS orphan and vulnerable children in the orphanages. The psychosocial needs of orphan and vulnerable children is often neglected or overlooked by service providers. As a result, orphaned and vulnerable children are suffering from psychosocial problems like distress, and anxiety. In addition, the experiences and psychosocial wellbeing of the children in orphanages is not researched well, to assess the psychosocial problems of orphan, qualitative research method was used. This qualitative study is conducted in three orphanages of Addis Ababa. The study population is orphan and vulnerable children getting orphanages services. The researcher used in depth interviews and focus group discussions to collect the data. The data analysis method was modified grounded theory analysis using open code version 3.4. Findings revealed that multi-facets of psychosocial problems such as depression, stress, suicide, hopelessness, being oppositional and angry, poor attachment and social relationship, and hostility are observed on OVC’s. Different coping mechanisms like praying and diary writing are reported by them. The research indicated that orphan and vulnerable children in orphanages severely affected by multiple psychosocial problems. The study also revealed the OVC have different coping strategies to face psychosocial problems while they are served in orphanages. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that placing and expanding psychosocial services like counseling, group therapy, support groups, and referral linkage with psychiatric services will be valuable. Introducing and promoting healthy cope up mechanisms for children in orphanages are also essentials
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Keywords
psychosocial well-being;orphan;vulnerable children;orphanages;AIDS; coping strategies