Asset ownership among households caring for orphans and vulnerable children in rural Zimbabwe: The influence of ownership on children's health and social vulnerabilities
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome in sub-Saharan Africa has resulted in a dramatic increase in orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) over the past decade. These children typically rely on extended family networks for support, but the magnitude of the crisis has resulted in traditional familial networks becoming overwhelmed and more economically and socially vulnerable. Previous research consistently demonstrates the positive influence of household asset ownership on children's well-being. Using data from impoverished households caring for OVC in rural Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe, this study explores the influence of household asset ownership on OVC health vulnerability (HV) and social vulnerability (SV). Findings indicate that asset ownership is associated with significantly lower SV, in terms of school attendance and birth registration. Yet, assets do not emerge as a direct influence of OVC HV as measured by disease and chronic illness, although having a chronically ill adult in the household increases HV. These findings suggest that asset ownership, specifically a combination of fixed and movable assets, may offset the influence of other risk factors for children's SV.
Date Issued
2012-05-25
Date Acceptance
2012-04-18
Citation
AIDS Care, 2012, 25 (1), pp.126-132
ISSN
0954-0121
Publisher
Taylor & Francis (Routledge): STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles
Start Page
126
End Page
132
Journal / Book Title
AIDS Care
Volume
25
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2013 Taylor & Francis. Article published by Taylor & Francis in AIDS Care on 25th May 2012 available online: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2012.687812
Subjects
Science & Technology
Social Sciences
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Health Policy & Services
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Respiratory System
Social Sciences, Biomedical
Health Care Sciences & Services
Psychology
Biomedical Social Sciences
HEALTH POLICY & SERVICES
PSYCHOLOGY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY
PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SSCI
SOCIAL SCIENCES, BIOMEDICAL
orphans and vulnerable children (OVC)
assets
child well-being
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
EDUCATIONAL-ATTAINMENT
HIV-INFECTION
SOUTH-AFRICA
POVERTY
RISK
AIDS
ADOLESCENTS
MANICALAND
PREVALENCE