Gogo Care and Protection of Vulnerable Children in Rural Malawi: Changing Responsibilities, Capacity to Provide, and Implications for well-being in the Era of HIV and AIDS

Abstract

The role of older women in the care and protection of vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa may be changing given increasing rates of orphanhood due to AIDS. Concern regarding their capacity to provide for children and implications for their health and well-being dominate the literature. However, studies have not yet examined the situation of older caregivers in comparison to their younger counterparts over time. In this study, panel data on 1,219 caregivers in rural Malawi between 2007 and 2009 is complemented by in-depth interview (N=62) and group discussion (N=4) data. Caregiver responsibilities, capacity to care for children, and implications for well-being are examined. Chi-square tests examine differences in these measures between older foster caregivers and younger foster caregivers, parents of orphans, and parents of non-orphans. Older women, in comparison with younger counterparts, are more stable as primary caregivers for orphans. Care by older women is particularly valued when younger family stability is threatened by burdens of orphan care. Qualitative data reveal many challenges that older caregivers face, most notably provision of food. However, survey data suggest that the capacity to provide food, schooling and other basic needs is similar among older and younger caregivers. Self-reported health status is generally poorer among older caregivers, however levels of emotional distress and social capital are similar among older and younger caregivers. Providing care for children in old age appears to entail a number of benefits. Older women committed to providing care and protection for children are important assets, particularly in the context of threats to child well-being due to HIV and AIDS. Bolstering older caregivers with material and social support to help sustain their key roles in fostering is a promising avenue for maintaining extended family responses to HIV and AIDS.

Exploring the Care Relationship between Grandparents/Older Carers and Children Infected with HIV in South-Western Uganda: Implications for Care for Both the Children and Their Older Carers

“…We found that a number of older carers, whatever their health status, suffered from stress and anxiety in their role which affected how they looked after the child. This is consistent with other research which has shown that carers of orphaned children, regardless of their age, suffer poor general health and functioning and increased levels of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress [ 15 , 31 ]. On the issue of food scarcity we observe that this is a seasonal problem, although occasionally there are years of more extensive shortages.…”

The Burden of Caring: An Exploratory Study of the Older Persons Caring for Adult Children with AIDS-Related Illnesses in Rural Communities in South Africa

“…Therefore, most of these persons were the sole caregivers for their adult children, despite the fact that some of them (12 out of 31) were over 70 years of age. This study confirms the findings of previous studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, which indicate that older women are responsible for providing care to their adult children living with HIV/AIDS [11,30].…”

Delayed Disclosure of HIV Status and Lack of Resources Affect Older Persons during Care of Adult Family Members with AIDS-Related Illness in Rural Mpumalanga, South Africa

“…The elderly carers lacked resources during the care for people with AIDS-related illnesses [ 33 ]. Consistent with other studies, the elderly carers did their best under difficult and trying circumstances to provide physical care and ensure the hygiene of their children [ 20 , 34 ].…”