1
|
Nevard I, Brooks H, Gellatly J, Bee P. Modelling social networks for children of parents with severe and enduring mental illness: an evidence based modification to the network episode model. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:162. [PMID: 38500222 PMCID: PMC10949563 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01647-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The Network Episode Model (NEM) is a well utilised model conceptualising how social networks, valuable resources which can positively impact wellbeing and functional outcomes, are responsive to the needs of people with physical and mental health difficulties. Children of parents with severe and enduring mental illness (COPMI) are impacted by these illnesses through the intersecting roles of kin relation, informal carer, and dependent. However, it is not clear that social networks effectively respond in kind to the child's episodic need.We draw upon qualitative data to propose a new multi-factorial conceptual model (COPMI-NEM), triangulating parental mental illness, child's developmental stage and social ties to theorise how social networks do respond and adapt to children's needs.The model illustrates how networks are typically flexible and responsive to visible age-related needs, but less reactive to more obscured needs. Successful network navigation and negotiation of support relies on multiple factors including the child's ability to successfully activate social ties and the availability of formal networks. We propose a new theoretically and empirically informed NEM model also available for testing, refinement and validation in other young carer populations exposed to episodic parental health needs. Findings from this study could be used to generate network informed interventions for this and comparable populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imogen Nevard
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 6.333 Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Helen Brooks
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 6.333 Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Judith Gellatly
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 6.333 Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Penny Bee
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 6.333 Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fang H, Li Y, Wu M, Gan F. Study on the validity of the theoretical paradigm of art therapy for vulnerable children. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 19:188-199. [PMID: 35584289 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2022.2074555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The vulnerable children refer to the special group of children with deviation in the process of children's psychological development and personality formation due to growth dilemmas. MATERIALS AND METHODS This may incur a series of serious social and family problems. The vulnerable children mainly cover the children suffering from children's psychological problems, such as childhood autism, autism, social anxiety and hypersensitivity, fear, depression, and PTSD arising from other factors. At present, the research results at home and abroad mainly focus on the psychological dynamic correlation investigation and solution discussion of a certain kind of difficult factor in the children's psychological development based on statistical data by the experimental methods, such as scale and model, and there is a blind spot in the humanistic orientation theory construction of psychological treatment for vulnerable children, causing the social reflection on children's psychological predicament from the humanistic perspective cannot be performed in related researches and going against searching for universal and integral theoretical paradigm for solving related problems. RESULTS Sophisticated technologies for the observations have emerged increasingly for enabling the psychological features of vulnerable children through developmental cognitive neuroscience experiments. CONCLUSION This paper introduces humanistic art therapy theory, focuses on the construction of a theoretical paradigm, and verifies its effectiveness based on the experimental results on the psychological development of vulnerable children, with an efficient performance.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThis study mainly refers to children with difficulty in social inclusion and psychological development.The results showed that two kinds of art therapy can obviously improve the psychological disorders of vulnerable children.The goal was to enhance self-cognition, strengthen emotional interaction, and implement positive motivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Fang
- School of Art, Southeast University, Culture and Tourism Industry Think Tank Chinese Art Evaluation Institute of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanhua Li
- School of Social Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, South Korea
- Yangzhou Institute, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Misi Wu
- School of Art, Southeast University, Culture and Tourism Industry Think Tank Chinese Art Evaluation Institute of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Gan
- School of Art, Southeast University, Culture and Tourism Industry Think Tank Chinese Art Evaluation Institute of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tutlam NT, Filiatreau LM, Byansi W, Brathwaite R, Nabunya P, Sensoy Bahar O, Namuwonge F, Ssewamala FM. The Impact of Family Economic Empowerment Intervention on Psychological Difficulties and Prosocial Behavior Among AIDS-Orphaned Children in Southern Uganda. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:S51-S58. [PMID: 37062584 PMCID: PMC10159782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Children orphaned by AIDS are more likely to have psychological and emotional problems compared to their counterparts. Poverty resulting from orphanhood is linked to the negative psychological outcomes experienced by AIDS-orphaned adolescents. No studies have investigated the impact of an economic empowerment intervention on child psychological and emotional problems and prosocial behavior. Therefore, we aimed to examine the impact of a family economic empowerment intervention on psychological difficulties and prosocial behavior among AIDS-orphaned adolescents. METHODS We analyzed data from a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in 10 primary schools in southern Uganda. Schools were randomized to either bolstered usual care (n = 5 schools; 167 participants) or a family-economic empowerment intervention (Suubi-Maka; n = 5 schools; 179 individuals). We used t-test and multi-level mixed effects models to examine the impact of Suubi-Maka on psychological and behavioral outcomes. RESULTS No differences were observed between intervention and control groups in almost all the outcomes at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Simple main effects comparisons of 12 months versus baseline within each condition indicate modest to significant declines in emotional symptoms, hyperactivity, peer relationships (Δs = -1.00 to -2.11, all p < .001), and total difficulties (Δs = -4.85 to -4.89, both p < .001) across both groups. DISCUSSION Our analysis found no meaningful difference between intervention and control groups in child psychological difficulties and prosocial behavior postintervention. However, improvements were observed across both control and treatment groups following the intervention. Future studies should investigate the impact of different components of the intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nhial T Tutlam
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lindsey M Filiatreau
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - William Byansi
- Boston College, School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel Brathwaite
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Munongi L, Mawila D. Risk factors of orphan and vulnerable children in a children's home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Child Youth Serv Rev 2023; 145:106801. [PMID: 36618565 PMCID: PMC9803368 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Orphans and vulnerable children in children's homes are exposed to multiple psychosocial risks. This study aimed to explore the risks facing orphans and vulnerable children in a children's home in a township setting during COVID-19. Qualitative data was thematically analysed for this study. Fifty-eight female Black African children (n = 58) in a children's home were individually interviewed to ascertain the psychosocial risks that they experienced during COVID-19. The participants were orphans and vulnerable children residing in a children's home located in Johannesburg in South Africa. All children were enrolled in either primary or secondary schools located nearby the children's home. Boys were not included because the children's home only caters for females. The study found that unhealthy coping mechanisms, non-compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols, disruptive behaviour, fear of being infected and abuse by caregivers emerged as risks. We recommend that children be offered life skills such as coping mechanisms when faced with adversity, be constantly monitored to ensure adherence to safety rules and be given therapeutic interventions to deal with their fears. Furthermore, caregivers need to be psycho-educated on the giving of care to orphans and vulnerable children. The physical environment of the children's homes should be made conducive to allow healthy interactions with factors that impact on them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Munongi
- Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg (Soweto Campus), GNA 224, Robert Sobukwe Building, 326 Chris Hani Road, Pimville 1809, South Africa
| | - Daphney Mawila
- Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg (Soweto Campus), GNA 226, Robert Sobukwe Building, 326 Chris Hani Road, Pimville 1809, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Berr N, Nigatu Y, Dereje N. Nutritional status among orphans and vulnerable children aged 6 to 59 months in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study. BMC Nutr 2021; 7:24. [PMID: 33896424 PMCID: PMC8073948 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-021-00431-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood undernutrition is a global problem contributing to more than a third of under-five mortality. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) fare worse than children living with their parents. However, the nutritional and healthcare needs of OVC are under-recognized in Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among OVC aged 6 to 59 months. Multi-stage sampling technique was applied to select the households and eligible children included in the study (n = 584). An interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were carried out. The proportions of stunting, wasting and underweight were determined based on the WHO Z-score cut-off. Factors associated with stunting were identified by Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Results The prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 35.1% (95% CI; 31.3–39.1%), 4.7% (95% CI; 3.2–6.7%) and 12.0% (95% CI; 9.6–14.9%), respectively. Stunting was significantly associated with initiation of complementary feeding after 12 months of age (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI 1.16–14.11), household food insecurity (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.10–3.17), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.03–3.42), age ≥ 2 years (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI 1.25–2.67), caretaker’s age ≤ 25 years (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.03–2.16) and employment of the caretaker (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.03–2.26). Conclusion The prevalence of all forms of undernutrition among OVC was significantly higher than the national estimate that has been reported by consecutive Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS). Policy makers and programmers working on nutritional interventions should give due emphasis to address the unmet need of OVC and focus on interventions which enhance household food security and caretaker’s awareness on child feeding and pregnancy planning. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40795-021-00431-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Berr
- Department of Medicine, Myungsung Medical College/Myungsung Christian Medical Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yemisrach Nigatu
- Department of Public Health, Myungsung Medical College/Myungsung Christian Medical Center, P.O.Box 14972, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nebiyu Dereje
- Department of Public Health, Myungsung Medical College/Myungsung Christian Medical Center, P.O.Box 14972, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This paper reviews the literature on the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and the reactions of vulnerable children. RECENT FINDINGS Research reveals increases in clinically significant depression, suicidal ideation and behavior, and some anxiety symptoms. Substance use studies suggest an inadvertent decrease in substance use in some youth though findings are inconsistent across substances and for males and females. Children with pre-existing emotional and behavioral problems are especially vulnerable though some children appear to improve in the context of public health measures which have decreased the stresses associated with school and socialization. In addition, children with pre-existing problems are likely to have established resources and relationships that may protect them relative to other children. COVID-19 has had a major effect on the mental health of children around the world, but findings should be considered preliminary until more rigorous research has been conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Betty Pfefferbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 920 Stanton L. Young Boulevard, WP3217, P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK, 73126-0901, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nevard I, Green C, Bell V, Gellatly J, Brooks H, Bee P. Conceptualising the social networks of vulnerable children and young people: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2021; 56:169-182. [PMID: 33140120 PMCID: PMC7870613 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-020-01968-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The relationship between social networks and health and wellbeing is increasingly demonstrated in vulnerable adult populations. This relationship for vulnerable children and young people has not hitherto been systematically reviewed. This narrative synthesis aims to consolidate research to provide a foundational basis for future health-related social network research and interventions for children and young people. METHODS This mixed methods systematic review synthesises research investigating whole, egocentric social networks of 32 vulnerable child groups with a mean age below 18. There were no setting, language or date restrictions. The quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Of 6360 search results, 49 were included for narrative synthesis. RESULTS The majority of pertinent research originates from the USA; the most frequently investigated vulnerabilities were minority ethnic status, homelessness and the presence of special educational needs. Research aims and methodologies varied significantly between studies. Key findings included (i) vulnerable (excluding minority ethnic) children and young people have impoverished networks (ii) access to networks is a protective factor against negative outcomes (iii) social ties, primarily immediate family, provide access to personal resources and (iv) network ties are to a degree substitutable. CONCLUSIONS Networks are associated with wellbeing and vulnerable children and young people commonly have impoverished networks, excluding cases where vulnerability classification relates to minority ethnic status. Network embeddedness is associated with positive outcomes, particularly for homeless children. Family are typically primary providers of support, but ties are substitutable when networks are restricted. Egocentric social network research is currently limited for vulnerable child populations. Further research could inform interventions that harness networks to improve health, wellbeing and functional outcomes for these child groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imogen Nevard
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Chloe Green
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Vicky Bell
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Judith Gellatly
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Helen Brooks
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Penny Bee
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aloisio D, Huron RF. Autism as Representative of Disability. Pediatr Clin North Am 2020; 67:341-355. [PMID: 32122564 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Pediatricians care for many children with autism spectrum disorder who demonstrate a wide range of abilities and needs. This population is vulnerable because of lags in diagnosis, difficulty accessing services, overlooked medical conditions, behavioral difficulties during medical visits, parental stress, bullying, comorbid mental health issues, and variable transitional care moving from adolescence to young adulthood. Comprehensive care includes earlier recognition of symptoms with timely referral to early intervention services. It includes primary pediatricians partnering with the family, developmental pediatricians, and other specialists to reduce the vulnerabilities by medical advocacy, family education, and appropriate behavior intervention to improve functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denise Aloisio
- Hackensack Meridian Health, K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital - Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Child Evaluation Center, 81 Davis Avenue, Suite 1, Neptune, NJ 07753, USA; Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, USA.
| | - Randye F Huron
- Hackensack Meridian Health, Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital - Hackensack University Medical Center, Institute for Child Development, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA; Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Spaedy A, Doumas S, Solhkhah R. Substance Use Disorders in Vulnerable Children. Pediatr Clin North Am 2020; 67:373-85. [PMID: 32122566 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Substance use remains a major challenge in adolescent health. The coexisting use of these substances often creates hurdles for accurate diagnosis of other comorbid psychiatric conditions. It is of critical importance that health care providers be aware of both the isolated presentation of substance use disorder and that with coexisting psychiatric illness in vulnerable children.
Collapse
|
10
|
Moffa M, Cronk R, Fejfar D, Dancausse S, Padilla LA, Bartram J. A systematic scoping review of hygiene behaviors and environmental health conditions in institutional care settings for orphaned and abandoned children. Sci Total Environ 2019; 658:1161-1174. [PMID: 30677980 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate hygiene behaviors and environmental health conditions are fundamental to children's health, development, and well-being. They are especially important in institutional care settings for orphaned and abandoned children, a particularly vulnerable population whose basic needs are often not met. OBJECTIVES We systematically reviewed the evidence about hygiene behaviors and environmental health conditions in institutional care settings for children and associated health outcomes; interventions to improve these behaviors, conditions, and outcomes; and obstacles to improvement. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCOhost were searched for studies in the peer-reviewed and grey literature. Studies were included if they reported primary data on one or more environmental health condition or hygiene behavior in an institutional care setting for orphaned and abandoned children. RESULTS Forty-five publications reporting on over 500 institutions in 29 countries were included. The most documented concern was poor personal hygiene behaviors followed by inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure and overcrowding. Protozoan, helminthic, viral infections, and diarrheal illness among institutionalized children were the most commonly documented associated health outcomes. DISCUSSION More studies documented the status of hygiene and environmental health in children's institutions than interventions to improve behaviors and conditions. Insufficient finances and expertise or involvement of caregivers are reported barriers to implementing improvements in children's institutions. The development of guidelines for essential environmental health standards in orphanages, monitoring of facility conditions, accountability for facility deficiencies, and implementation research to identify improvement opportunities would contribute to and promote the health and development of orphaned and abandoned children worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Moffa
- The Water Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ryan Cronk
- The Water Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
| | - Donald Fejfar
- The Water Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sarah Dancausse
- The Water Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Jamie Bartram
- The Water Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bello TK, Pillay J. An evidence-based nutrition education programme for orphans and vulnerable children: protocol on the development of nutrition education intervention for orphans in Soweto, South Africa using mixed methods research. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:306. [PMID: 30866875 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6596-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Focus on interventions for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in South Africa on education, quality of life (QoL) and nutrition-related matters have been reported diminutive. The risk of dropping out of school for an OVC with poor QoL and without varied food intake is very high. The problem with poor; QoL, nutritional care and academic performance (AP) of the OVC is that it sets the foundation for their adults’ life. The purpose of this longitudinal study is to develop, implement and to test the efficacy of an evidence-based nutrition education programme (NEP) for OVC that will integrate their families/caregivers, schools and communities. Methods A longitudinal study, and a mixed-methods approach steered by action research will be used. This study will be in three phases. Phase 1 will be the needs assessment; Phase 2 will be the development of nutritional education materials, and Phase 3 is the intervention. QoL, dietary intakes, body composition, and anthropometric status, physical activities, and AP of 520 OVC in Soweto will be assessed using standard techniques. Nutrition knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the caregivers will be assessed using previously validated questionnaires. Focus group discussion (FGD) will be conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of what OVC eat and factors affecting their food intakes. Data will be collected at baseline, week 12 and week 24. Generalised Least Squares (GLS) regression model will be used to test the study hypotheses. Atlas-ti and Thematic Framework Analysis (TFA) will be used for qualitative data analysis. Discussion This study will provide detailed information on the QoL, food intakes concerning academic performance and general well-being of OVC in an Africa setting. The participatory mixed methods nature of the study will provide valuable insights into the drivers and challenges to QoL, AP, and nutritional status of this group. This approach will assist the policymakers’ and other stakeholders in decision making regarding the general well-being of the OVC. Trial registration ISRCTN12835783. Date registered 14.01.2019.
Collapse
|
12
|
Newton GW. Thoughts on public policy to increase family-based care and decrease institutional care. Child Abuse Negl 2017; 70:399-401. [PMID: 28579075 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Many countries are in the earliest stage of reforming the care sector. Reformers face challenges as they develop public policy to expand family based care and shrink institutional care. To mention a few: installing the keystone component of care reform - a system to monitor and support children post-institutionalization; enabling children to grow up where they belong, in families; meeting children's basic needs where they should live, in their own communities; meeting children's basic needs where many actually live, in institutions; strengthening the social service workforce; and elevating the political priority of poor and vulnerable children through evidence-based advocacy. Care reform must be sold in the political marketplace. Evidence-based, tactical advocacy is key to reforming care policy and winning the public resources needed to gear-up programs for the care, protection and development of vulnerable children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary W Newton
- Global Human Development Program, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
|
14
|
Abstract
Children have rights, as enumerated in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, and need protection from violence, exploitation, and abuse. Global threats to child safety exist. These threats include lack of basic needs (food, clean water, sanitation), maltreatment, abandonment, child labor, child marriage, female genital mutilation, child trafficking, disasters, and armed conflicts/wars. Recent disasters and armed conflicts have led to a record number of displaced people especially children and their families. Strategies and specific programs can be developed and implemented for eliminating threats to the safety of children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon E Mace
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, E-19, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Observation Unit, Emergency Services Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, E-19, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sturtevant D, Wimmer JS. Success and challenges of measuring program impacts: an international study of an infant nutrition program for AIDS orphans. Eval Program Plann 2014; 42:50-56. [PMID: 24189160 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2013.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Zambia threatens maternal survival and jeopardizes the ability for families to care for their children. The Christian Alliance for Children in Zambia (CACZ) operates a program called Milk and Medicine (M&M) that distributes food, formula, and medicine at churches in the compounds. This article reports on a mixed methods study to evaluate the outcomes of the M&M program. On-site interviews with families combined with an analysis of a longitudinal data set were the methods used. The results of the study showed families face continuous hardship including hunger, unemployment, disease, and loss. Families expressed appreciation for the program and its staff and suggested improvements. The longitudinal data review helped researchers to recommend an improved protocol for data management. Improved data will assist researchers in an on-going evaluation to compare the growth rates of children in the study to the Zambian normal growth charts. Lessons learned from this evaluation validated the use of mixed methods design for exploratory research on an emerging program. Lessons were also learned about the difficulty of working in natural settings with political and cultural variations. Future evaluations of the M&M program are expected to shed light on more specific program impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Sturtevant
- Sociology and Social Work, Hope College, 41 Graves Place, Holland, MI 49423, United States.
| | | |
Collapse
|