Poverty and psychological health among AIDS-orphaned children in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

This study examined associations between AIDS-orphanhood status, poverty indicators, and psychological problems (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, peer problems, delinquency, conduct problems) among children and adolescents in townships surrounding Cape Town, South Africa. One thousand and twenty-five children and adolescents completed standardized and culturally sensitive cross-sectional surveys. Children orphaned by AIDS had more psychological problems including depression, peer problems, post-traumatic stress, and conduct problems. Specific poverty indicators including food security, access to social welfare grants, employment in the household and access to school were associated with better psychological health. Poverty indicators mediated associations of AIDS-orphanhood with psychological problems. Food security showed the most consistent association with reduced psychological problems. Poverty alleviation measures have the potential to improve psychological health for AIDS-orphaned children in South African townships.

Keywords:

• poverty
• psychological health
• orphans
• HIV/AIDS

Acknowledgements

This study was undertaken in collaboration between Oxford University and Cape Town Child Welfare Society. The study was made possible by support from the UK Economic and Social Research Council. The authors wish to thank the children who participated in the study, and their families, the participating schools and organizations. With thanks to Robert Walker, Renfrew Christie, Nomhle Panyana, Hilda Ntjana, Nontobeko Mdudu, Mantombi Ntushele and Julia Limba. Thanks also to South African Airways.