The social and economic impact of parental HIV on children in northern Malawi: retrospective population-based cohort study

Floyd, S., Crampin, A.C. , Glynn, J.R., Madise, N., Mwenebabu, M., Mnkhondia, S., Ngwira, B., Zaba, B. and Fine, P.E.M. (2007) The social and economic impact of parental HIV on children in northern Malawi: retrospective population-based cohort study. AIDS Care, 19(6), pp. 781-790. (doi: 10.1080/09540120601163227) (PMID:17573599)

Abstract

From population-based surveys in the 1980s in Karonga district, northern Malawi, 197 ‘index individuals’ were identified as HIV-positive. 396 HIV-negative ‘index individuals’ were selected as a comparison group. These individuals, and their spouses and children, were followed up in 1998–2000. 582 of 593 index individuals were traced. 487 children of HIV-positive, and 1493 children of HIV-negative, parents were included in analyses. Rates of paternal, maternal, and double orphanhood among children with one or both parents HIV-positive were respectively 6, 8, and 17 times higher than for children with HIV-negative parents. Around 50% of children living apart from both parents had a grandparent as their guardian; for most of the rest the guardian was an aunt, uncle, or sibling. There were no child-headed households. Almost all children aged 6–14 were attending primary school. There was no evidence that parental HIV affected primary school attainment among children <15 years old. Children of HIV-positive parents were less likely to have attended secondary school than those of HIV-negative parents. The extended family has mitigated the impact of orphanhood on children, but interventions to reduce the incidence of orphanhood, and/or which strengthen society's ability to support orphans, are essential, especially as the HIV epidemic matures and its full impact is felt.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding: Until 1996 the KPS was funded primarily by LEPRA (The British Leprosy Relief Association) and ILEP (The International Federation of Anti- Leprosy Organizations) with contributions from the WHO/UNDP/World Bank Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases. Since 1996 the Wellcome Trust has been the principal funder. BN was supported by the British High Commission in Malawi. JRG was partially supported by the British Department for International Devel- opment and is now supported by the Department of Health (Public Health Career Scientist Award).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Crampin, Professor Mia
• Authors: Floyd, S., Crampin, A.C., Glynn, J.R., Madise, N., Mwenebabu, M., Mnkhondia, S., Ngwira, B., Zaba, B., and Fine, P.E.M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: AIDS Care
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 0954-0121
• ISSN (Online): 1360-0451
• Published Online: 14 June 2007