ABSTRACT
Background: Infertility is a public health problem in the developing countries. However, the role of child adoption or fostering in the management of infertile couples is underexplored, particularly in northern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving the use of a structured interview questionnaire was employed to collect information from clients attending the infertility clinic of Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano. The data were analyzed using MINITAB® 12.21 software. Percentages and means were used to describe categorical and quantitative variables, respectively. The chi-square test was used to assess the significance of associations using a confidence interval of 95%. Results: Majority of the respondents (69.7%) were between 25 and 34 years of age, and of Hausa/Fulani ethnic group (79.6%). Knowledge of child adoption was good in 59.2% of the respondents, while the willingness to adopt versus foster was 28.2% and 44.4%, respectively. Conclusion: There is a need to advocate for infertility counseling services, so as to support infertile clients in taking informed decisions regarding child adoption or fostering as viable options for having their own families
Subject(s)
Adoption , Child , Foster Home Care , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Infertility, Female/psychology , NigeriaABSTRACT
Policies are often developed without taking into account social science research findings and recommendations; despite the plethora of such research studies. This is largely because researchers and policy makers often work in isolation; yet if they worked synergistically they could have a significant impact on implementing interventions known to work to improve the lives of populations. Several approaches have been advanced to encourage policy makers to take heed of scientific findings and to urge scientists to take into account the needs of policy makers in designing their research agenda.This paper aims to illustrate how policy has been informed using the case study of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children project in South Africa. It further highlights the successes and challenges encountered thus far with this project. In some countries; particularly those of the north; there has been major progress in bridging this gap between research and policy; however; in developing countries much remains to be done
Subject(s)
Child , Decision Making , Evidence-Based Medicine , Foster Home Care , Health Policy , Pilot Projects , Social Sciences , Vulnerable PopulationsABSTRACT
Guardianship within families is often regarded as the most viable and preferred option for orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC). However; this will place a considerably increased burden on the new caregivers of these children. This study examines whether assistance to prospective families would incline them towards incorporating children and; if so; what would act as 'threshold' incentives for them. Adults (N = 1 400) in diverse locations and of various 'relational proximity' to children were interviewed in three high HIV/AIDS prevalence provinces in South Africa. Close relatives were more inclined to take in children and would generally require lower levels of assistance than more distanced adults. Nonetheless; for most poor families; no matter their relation to the child; help is critical. More distanced families; friends and strangers also showed a strong willingness to incorporate children - provided they receive sufficient help. For all categories; the greater the assistance the more likely they would be to take in children. While direct financial assistance was important; assistance with education-related costs and having a trained and caring person come in 'now and then' to help were also significant factors. The age and HIV status of the child were viewed as important intervening factors in deciding whether or not to take in an additional child/ren by some people
Subject(s)
Child , Foster Home Care , Motivation , Public Assistance , Vulnerable PopulationsABSTRACT
Cette etude dans laquelle les auteurs tentent de cerner les conditions de vie des orphelins comporte cinq chapitres. Le 1er chapitre porte sur la problematique et met en relief les risques auxquels sont eposes les orphelins du Sida. Le 2eme regroupe le cadre conceptuel et la revue de litterature ; le 3eme et le 4eme portent sur la description des methodes utilisees et l'interpretation des donnees obtenues. Le dernier chapitre decrit le role du travailleur social et fait des recommandations pour la prise en charge des orphelins
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , Foster Home CareABSTRACT
The objectives was to test the utility of various community based approaches to the problems of orphans in 2 sub-counties of Luwero district in Uganda. A needs assessment identified schooling; feeding; bedding; clothing; health centre; and housing as the highest priorities. Strategies were free primary education for 1400 children in exchange for material; not cash; assistance to schools; provision of income generating assistance to 60 guardian groups and to schools with projects; and limited emergency support to individuals. Results showed that (10 School support through in kind assistance has allowed children to attend school and improved the quality of schools. School committees would prefer cash assistance while guardians prefer in kind arrangement. (2) Income generating in groups has succeeded best where groups were small and cohesive and existed before the project. (3) Credit programs may not be appropriate if the poorest and most vulnerable are targets. (4) A new crisis can rapidly undo much of the improvement in guardian unit status. Conclusions: (1) Smaller income generating projects for individuals rather than larger projects for groups are likely to be more beneficial unless a cohesive group pre-exists. (2) Credit may be suitable for guardians desiring assistance a second time. (3) In kind support to schools has development and management advantages over using cash to pay school fees