The socio-demographic factors of children orphaned by AIDS in Benin City, Nigeria
Sadoh, W.E.; Oviawe, O.; Jonathan, A.
Sahel Medical Journal 8(3): 76-78
2005
Document Number: 627088
Introduction: The HIV/AIDS pandemic has posed a formidable health problem especially in sub-Sahara Africa. In Nigeria, AIDS orphans is on the increase, and as of December 2003, Nigeria had about 1 million AIDS orphans. The death of parents with HIV/AIDS and the changing socioeconomic outlook may affect the number of AIDS orphans and their care. This study was undertaken to assess the sociodemographic characteristics of HIV/AIDS orphans seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Nigeria. Patients and methods: Consecutive children who have lost at least one parent to HIV/AIDS, and presented to the Child Health facilities of the UBTH between 1996 and December 2003 were enrolled in the study. The biodata of the child and parents were obtained. Sociodemographic parameters were determined. The HIV status of the child and parents, surviving or deceased was ascertained. Results: Of the 102 HIV patients studied, 14 (13.7%) were AIDS orphans (aged 2-102 months, with a mean of 49+or-35.4 months). Most had stopped schooling and childhood vaccination because of illness. The present caregivers of the orphans were relatives in 50% of cases and in the other half, surviving parents. Eleven (78.6%) of the children died either in hospital or on follow-up. Two surviving children were on antiretroviral therapy. Conclusion: The percentage of HIV patients that are orphans in this study is significant. The morbidities in the orphans had deprived them of early childhood education and immunization. Breast feeding of all the orphans may have compounded the seemingly high mother-to-child HIV transmission. There is an urgent need for the government and NGOs to face the rising AIDS orphan problems in Nigeria.