Determinants of Psychosocial Well-Being among School-Going Children (10-17 Years) Affected by HIV/AIDS in Informal Settlements in Kenya

Jackson Mwangi, lecturer

School-going children affected by HIV and AIDS (CAHA) face substantial psychological, social, and economic challenges, especially after losing their parents. This study examines the determinants of psychosocial well-being and coping strategies of 345 children aged 10-17 years living in foster families in Kibera, Nairobi County, Kenya. Utilizing the Double ABCX model of adaptation and adjustment, data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, observations, and child drawings, and analyzed with SPSS and Stata software. The findings show that foster family care is crucial for CAHA's psychosocial well-being, impacting self-acceptance, personal growth, and positive relationships. Emotional support from teachers, peers, and community health workers is also vital. Coping strategies vary with age: younger children often cry and refuse to eat, while older children tend to worry and isolate themselves. The study highlights the importance of supportive social environments and ongoing psychosocial support for the holistic development of CAHA. It suggests empowering families and communities with the knowledge and skills to support these children and calls for targeted intervention programs to address specific psychosocial needs. These insights are valuable for policymakers, NGOs, and stakeholders in planning and implementing comprehensive support programs that improve the quality of life for CAHA in informal settlements.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

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