| Nutritional status, psychological well-being and the quality of life of AIDS orphans in rural Henan Province, China. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 17956500 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of orphanhood due to AIDS on children's nutritional status, psychological well-being and life quality, and to explore appropriate intervention strategies in China. METHODS: In 2005, 186 children aged 8-15 years (93 AIDS orphans and 93 non-orphans) from a rural area of Henan Province were surveyed in a cross-sectional and matched pairs study on nutritional status, psychological health and life quality. RESULTS: We found no compelling evidence for poorer nutritional status in orphans. The nutritional status of both orphans and non-orphans was extremely poor according to the prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting and anaemia. Depression, low self-esteem and lower quality of life were more frequent in orphans. These differences mainly existed in boys' groups. No significant differences were found between paternal, maternal and double orphans, or orphans in orphanages or extended families. Regression analysis revealed that orphanhood leads to low self-esteem and more depression which contributes to lower quality of life and mediates the association between orphanhood and quality of life. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of poor nutritional status indicates that basic material needs of children, including AIDS orphans, are not met in rural China. Psychological problems were prominent among orphans and had become the most important contributor of lower life quality. Boys were at least as vulnerable as girls. The living conditions of all children in rural China must be improved; school-based care and support are crucial and would be a cost-effective way to improve the overall life quality of AIDS orphans. |
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Authors:
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Zhonghu He; Chengye Ji |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH Volume: 12 ISSN: 1360-2276 ISO Abbreviation: Trop. Med. Int. Health Publication Date: 2007 Oct |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2007-10-24 Completed Date: 2007-12-20 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9610576 Medline TA: Trop Med Int Health Country: England |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 1180-90 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China. |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
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psychology* Adaptation, Psychological* Adolescent Child Child Welfare Child, Orphaned / psychology* China Cross-Sectional Studies Female Humans Male Nutritional Status* Quality of Life* Rural Health |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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