How wealthy are orphans and vulnerable children households in a metropolitan community, South-West Nigeria?

  • Oyindamola B Yusuf University of Ibadan
  • Temitayo Odusote United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Abuja
  • Olusanmi Iyabode Association for Reproductive and Family Health, Ibadan
  • Joanna Nwosu United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Abuja
  • Tessie Phillips–Ononye United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Abuja
  • Ayo S Adebowale University of Ibadan
  • Elijah A Bamgboye Association for Reproductive and Family Health, Ibadan
Keywords: Wealth Index, Orphans and Vulnerable Children, South West Nigeria.

Abstract

Context/Background: Responding to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) remains a public health challenge. In Nigeria, disparities in wealth among OVC has not been previously documented. Therefore, this study determined the socio-economic status of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in relation to service areas in Lagos Nigeria.Data Sources and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five local government areas. A child vulnerability assessment form was used to identify 6656 OVC households. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, and items relating to service areas: economy, education, food security, shelter, health and psychosocial issues. Socio-economic status was measured by wealth index; developed using principal component analysis.Results: Child access to healthcare services was lower (46.2%) among poorer females compared to males (50.0%). Access to legal protection was low in all socio-economic categories for both males and females. Food insecurity was significantly higher in the lower wealth quintiles. The odds of adequate shelter increased with increasing wealth quintiles.Conclusion: There were considerable socio-economic inequalities in the access of orphans and vulnerable children to the service areas.

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Author Biographies

Oyindamola B Yusuf, University of Ibadan
Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics15
Ayo S Adebowale, University of Ibadan
Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics
Published
2017-11-20
Section
Articles