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. 2018;13(3):228-238.
doi: 10.1080/17450128.2018.1439211. Epub 2018 Feb 23.

Social support and school outcomes of adolescents orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS living in South Western Uganda

Hadiza L Osuji  1 , Proscovia Nabunya  2 , William Byansi  3 , Tyrone M Parchment  4 , Fred Ssewamala  5   6 , Mary M McKay  7 , Keng-Yen Huang  8
Affiliations

Social support and school outcomes of adolescents orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS living in South Western Uganda

Hadiza L Osuji et al. Vulnerable Child Youth Stud. 2018.

Abstract

The goal of this study is to examine the role of social support from multiple sources, including the extended family, caregivers, classmates, peers and teachers, in improving the school outcomes (grades and attendance) of children orphaned by AIDS in Uganda. Data for this study comes from a 4-year randomized control trial, called Suubi-Maka (Hope for families), conducted in the Southwestern part of Uganda from 2008 to 2012. Using multivariate regression modeling - controlling for several individual-level and school-level characteristics, we find that social support (perceived emotional and information support received from parents, classmates and teachers), caregiver's acceptance and warmth, and family cohesion have positive effects on children's school grades and attendance. This finding underscores the importance of strengthening relationships within the extended family and the school environment to serve as a net of strength that can influence not only family functioning but also vulnerable adolescents' educational trajectories.

Keywords: Uganda; Vulnerable youth educational outcome; caregiver support; children made vulnerable due to AIDS; family cohesion; social support.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure statement No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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