1.  Peer Reviewed Title: Contraceptive use, birth spacing, and autonomy: an analysis of the Oportunidades program in rural Mexico. Author: Feldman BS; Zaslavsky AM; Ezzati M; Peterson KE; Mitchell M Source: Studies in Family Planning. 2009 Mar;40(1):51-62. Abstract: Oportunidades, a conditional cash-transfer program instituted in Mexico in 1997, provides cash incentives to mothers to invest in the health and education of family members. Drawing from data gathered by Mexico's National Institute of Public Health, this study assesses the effect of the program on contraceptive use and birth spacing among titulares (female household heads) living in rural areas during the experimental period, 1998-2000, and during 2000-03, after incorporation of the control group. In 2000, titulares were more likely to use modern contraceptives than were women in the control group, although by 2003 all beneficiaries had the same probability of use. Change in autonomy was not a mediator, although baseline autonomy modified the program's influence on contraceptive use. Cox proportional hazard models produced estimates that birth spacing was similar between the beneficiaries and controls. Inconsistent findings may be the result of the way contraceptive use was defined in this study. Findings from this study may be useful for helping program planners better understand the role of conditional cash transfers in modifying family planning and fertility among poor rural women in Latin America. Language: English Keywords: MEXICO | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | CASE CONTROL STUDIES | RURAL POPULATION | MOTHERS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | BIRTH SPACING | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | INCENTIVES | HOME ECONOMICS | North America | Americas | Developing Countries | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Theoretical Models | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Households | Family Planning | Contraception | Policy | Political Factors | Microeconomic Factors Document Number: 331287 |
2.  Peer Reviewed Title: Depressive symptoms in youth heads of household in Rwanda. Correlates and implications for intervention. Author: Boris NW; Brown LA; Thurman TR; Rice JC; Snider LM Source: Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. 2008 Sep;162(9):836-843. Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the level of depressive symptoms and their predictors in youth from one region of Rwanda who function as heads of household (ie, those responsible for caring for other children) and care for younger orphans. A cross-sectional survey was taken in four adjoining districts in Gigonkoro, an impoverished rural province in southwestern Rwanda. Trained interviewers met with the eldest member of each household (n=539) in which a youth 24 years old or younger was caring for 1 child or more. The main outcome measures were rates and severity of depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale; measures of grief, adult support, social marginalization, and sociodemographic factors using scales developed for this study. Of the 539 youth heads of household, 77% were subsistence farmers and only 7% had attended school for 6 years or more. Almost half (44%) reported eating only 1 meal a day in the last week, and 80% rated their health as fair or poor. The mean score on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale was 24.4, exceeding the most conservative published cutoff score for adolescents. Multivariate analysis revealed that reports of depressive symptoms that exceeded the clinical cutoff were associated with having 3 basic household assets or fewer, such as a mattress and a spare set of clothes (odds ratio [OR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-2.70), eating less than 1 meal per day (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.09- 2.60), reporting fair health (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.76- 2.29) or poor health (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.17-4.64), endorsing high levels of grief (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.73- 4.13), having at least 1 parent die in the genocide as opposed to all other causes of parental death (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.10-3.04), and not having a close friend (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.17-3.12). There was an interaction between marginalization from the community and alcohol use; youth who were highly marginalized and did not drink alcohol were more than 3 times more likely to report symptoms of depression (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.73-5.42). When models were constructed by grouping theoretically related variables into blocks and controlling for other blocks, the emotional status block of variables (grief and marginalization) accounted for the most variance in depressive symptoms. Orphaned youth who head households in rural Rwanda face many challenges and report high rates of depressive symptoms. Interventions designed to go beyond improving food security and increasing household assets may be needed to reduce social isolation of youth heads of household. The effect of head-of-household depressive symptoms on other children living in youth-headed households is unknown. (author's) Language: English Keywords: RWANDA | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | YOUTH | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | RURAL AREAS | DEPRESSION | MENTAL HEALTH | RISK BEHAVIOR | SOCIAL BEHAVIOR | Africa, Central | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Geographic Factors | Mental Disorders | Diseases | Health | Behavior Document Number: 328157 |
| 3. Title: Gender, famine and HIV / AIDS: Rethinking new variant famine in Malawi. Author: Gibbs A Source: African Journal of AIDS Research. 2008 May;7(1):9-17. Abstract: Although making a large and rapid impact on our understandings of the interactions between famine and HIV/AIDS, the new variant famine hypothesis has had little critical scrutiny. This paper uses a case study of the Malawian food crisis of 2001/2002 to contribute to understandings of new variant famine (NVF). The critical approach argues that a consideration for gender - the socially constructed relationship between men and women - needs to be central to understanding the interactions between HIV/AIDS and famine, which the NVF hypothesis seeks to explain. Evidence from the Malawian crisis is highly suggestive, although not conclusive, that NVF is best understood as mediated by gender inequalities. (author's) Language: English Keywords: MALAWI | RESEARCH REPORT | WOMEN | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | HOUSEHOLDS | FOOD SECURITY | GENDER ISSUES | BEHAVIOR | FOOD AND BEVERAGE | AGRICULTURE | FAMINE | HIV INFECTIONS | AIDS | IMPACT | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Demographic Factors | Population | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Food Supply | Natural Resources | Environment | Nutrition | Health | Macroeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Communication Document Number: 327156 |
| 4. Title: Junior-headed households as a possible strategy for coping with the growing orphan crisis in northern Namibia. Author: Kuhanen J; Shemeikka R; Notkola V; Nghixulifwa M Source: African Journal of AIDS Research. 2008 May;7(1):123-132. Abstract: This paper reports research concerning junior-headed households among Oshiwambo speakers in north-central Namibia. Based on field interviews with randomly sampled junior heads of households and selected key informants, we outline some features common to the junior-headed households and the ways in which they attempt to manage their lives. The concepts of child- and junior-headed households are also clarified. We argue that due to a significant increase in the number of orphans in Namibia, the ability of extended families to absorb and care for orphaned children is beginning to fail. Although child-headed households are still rare in Namibia, junior-headed households - those led by young persons aged 18 years or more and who are unmarried and have not established a household of their own - appear to be more common. The paper poses the question, do junior-headed households represent a coping strategy in a situation where the upper limits of the ability of extended families to absorb and provide carefor orphans has been reached? The ability of junior heads of households to run their households and care for younger children is limited by lack of experience, unemployment, and poverty. The primary function of these juniors appears to be maintaining order and providing basic security against abuse and the grabbing of property. By and large, such households are dependent on handouts from neighbours, relatives and the church, for food, clothing and financial support. We propose that efforts be made to secure access to education for junior heads of households, and to develop ways of improving their knowledge and skills regarding both household management and income-generating activities. (author's) Language: English Keywords: NAMIBIA | RESEARCH REPORT | INTERVIEWS | YOUTH | CHILD | ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN | EXTENDED FAMILY | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | HIV | AIDS | PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Data Collection | Research Methodology | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Family Characteristics | Households | Economic Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Behavior Document Number: 327165 |
| 5. Title: Only children of the head of household benefit from increased household food diversity in northern Ghana. Author: Leroy JL; Razak AA; Habicht JP Source: Journal of Nutrition. 2008 Nov;138(11):2258-63. Abstract: In many societies, foods are preferentially channeled to certain members of the household. We studied whether being the child of a powerful household member (head of household or first wife in a polygynous family) was associated with greater child stature in Northern Ghana and how this association varied with differences in household food availability. We used a sample of 464 children between 9 and 36 mo of age in extended households in rural Northern Ghana. Child stature was regressed on household food availability, the status of the child's father (head of household or other male), the status of the child's mother (marital order in a polygynous marriage), and the interaction terms between household food availability and parental status. The models were controlled for child age, sex, maternal height, parity, household size, and potential intra-community clustering. Household dietary diversity was associated with child stature (P < 0.05), but this association was limited to children of the head of household. For children of other males, there was no quantifiable association between household dietary diversity and child stature. Children of monogamous mothers were taller than children of second wives (P < 0.05). Our findings show that studies of intra-household allocation need to investigate beyond gender differences. Other structural household factors need to be considered in designing interventions, because they affect impact and even lead to increased intra-household inequality. Our results are relevant for Northern Ghana and as well as for similar settings elsewhere in the world. Language: English Keywords: GHANA | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | CHILDREN | DIET | PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT | FOOD SUPPLY | CHILD WORTH | AGE FACTORS | SEX FACTORS | BODY HEIGHT | PARITY | FAMILY SIZE | LIVING ARRANGEMENTS | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Youth | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Nutrition | Health | Child Rearing | Behavior | Natural Resources | Environment | Microeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Physiology | Biology | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Family Characteristics | Residence Characteristics | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors Document Number: 329367 |
| 6. Title: Kamalapur 2005-2007 census results. Author: Lindeboom W Source: Dhaka, Bangladesh, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh [ICDDR,B], Health Systems and Infectious Diseases Division, 2008 Jul. 20 p. (Special Publication No. 130) Abstract: This paper provides a brief description of the Kamalapur study population and area. The Kamalapur study site was set up in 1998, with the main purpose to conduct a population-based zinc trial. Kamalapur is situated in the south-eastern part of Dhaka Metropolitan area. The study site is located between a train terminal and a bus station. For research and sampling purposes, the study site was divided into seven strata, and within each stratum, clusters were identified. Demarcation of the strata was based primarily on seven communities that the site comprised but included demarcation based on physical infrastructure, such as roads, railroads, tracks and water bodies. Stratum 1 and 2 are mainly congested slum areas, residence of 4th class employees, such as cleaners and sweepers of the Dhaka City Corporation. The populations of the other clusters are a mix of upper-, middle- and lower-class social groups. Language: English Keywords: BANGLADESH | SUMMARY REPORT | MIGRANT WORKERS | MIGRATION | POPULATION DENSITY | POPULATION GROWTH | POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS | FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | POVERTY | AGE FACTORS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Households | Socioeconomic Factors Document Number: 328026 |
| 7. Title: Gender equality is good for the poor. Author: Morrison A; Raju D; Sinha N Source: Poverty in Focus. 2008 Jan;(13):16-17. Abstract: The relationship between the incidence of poverty and the level of gender equality as measured by various alternative indices suggests that developing countries with higher gender equality tend to have lower poverty rates. The chart presents a scatter plot of poverty headcount ratio (for the $2 per day poverty line) and gender equality, as measured by the female-to-male ratio of sex-specific Human Development Indices for a set of 73 countries circa 1997. The inverse relationship between gender equality and poverty shown in this scatter plot is quite robust to other measures of poverty and other measures of gender equality. Bivariate correlations, of course, cannot establish causality. One could easily argue, for example, that increases in wealth drive increases in gender equality-rather than the other way round-since discrimination may become increasingly costly to firms in developed economies with tighter labour markets. In fact, cross country correlations and even more rigorous regression analysis are unlikely ever to allow us to establish definitive relationships between gender equality and poverty; the simultaneities are too great and we do not have suitable econometric instruments to solve this problem. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | CRITIQUE | RECOMMENDATIONS | EVALUATION | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | POVERTY | GENDER ISSUES | WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT | INEQUALITIES | SEX RATIO | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Socioeconomic Factors | Women's Status | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 323222 |
| 8. Title: [Factors affecting how long exclusive breastfeeding lasts] Factores asociados a la lactancia materna exclusiva en poblacion pobre de areas urbanas de Colombia. Author: Rodriguez-Garcia J; Acosta-Ramirez N Source: Revista de Salud Publica. 2008 Jan-Feb;10(1):71-84. Abstract: Objective: Identifying factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding by poor urban women in Colombia. Methodology: A random sample of women living in poor neighborhoods from four Colombian cities (Cali, Cartagena, Medellin and Ibague) was made (survey method), using a cross-sectional design; survival analysis techniques were applied. Results: Bivariate analysis identified hospital bottle use, the women's marital status, and relationship with the head of household as having had a significant effect on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Multivariate analysis identified the non-use of bottles in hospital as favoring a longer breast feeding period. Conclusions: Reducing hospital bottle use is readily achievable by health system action; increasing the time mothers spend with their infants is more difficult. A relevant finding was that more mothers were unaware of breastfeeding's maternal benefits than those who were unaware of its benefits for the baby. If mothers were made more aware of the maternal benefits, an increasing number might insist on being the main caregiver and take care of their children for longer periods of time. Language: Spanish Keywords: COLOMBIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | WOMEN | LOW INCOME POPULATION | MARITAL STATUS | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | BREASTFEEDING, EXCLUSIVE | TIME FACTORS | BEHAVIOR | KNOWLEDGE | Developing Countries | South America, Northern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Social Class | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Nuptiality | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Breastfeeding | Infant Nutrition | Nutrition | Health | Population Dynamics Document Number: 308955 |
| 9. Title: The special needs of orphans: the case of Malawi. Author: Guttmacher Institute Source: New York, New York, Guttmacher Institute, 2007 Jan. [2] p. (In Brief) Abstract: In the countries hardest hit by HIV and AIDS, caring for adolescents who have lost one or both parents puts an added strain on the extended family and the community. Child-headed households and child laborers are all too common, and research shows that for many children, losing a parent means losing not only the affection of a mother or father, but also food, shelter and health care. With these added pressures and limited safety nets, orphans are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and therefore face increased risk of HIV/AIDS and unintended pregnancy. Losing a parent can also mean not getting the parental care and advice about life, love and health that other young people receive. Orphans rely more heavily on public sources of information than children with both parents. If they lack access to youth-friendly health information and services, these young people are often left with nowhere to turn. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: MALAWI | SUMMARY REPORT | ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN | ADOLESCENTS | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | NEEDS | INFORMATION SOURCES | FRIENDS AND RELATIVES | HIV INFECTIONS | AIDS | KNOWLEDGE | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Factors | Information | Viral Diseases | Diseases Document Number: 310872 |
| 10. Title: [Gender vulnerability for parenthood among male adolescents] Vulnerabilidade de gênero para a paternidade em homens adolescentes. Author: Almeida Ade F; Hardy E Source: Revista de Saude Publica / Journal of Public Health. 2007 Aug;41(4):565-572. Abstract: The objective was to analyze gender relations perceived by male adolescents and how they contribute to making them more vulnerable to pregnancy during adolescence. Qualitative study carried out in Campo Grande, Midwestern Brazil, in 2003. Subjects were 13 male adolescents under 20 years of age, fathers of an only child aged up to 11 months whose mother was in the same age group as them. Semi-structured interviews were carried out, tape recorded and transcribed. Thematic content analysis was carried out. Gender stereotypes were identified in which the role of leader, provider, and sexually active was stressed and the role of caregiver was rejected. These roles seemed consolidated especially in the subjects' perspective regarding paid employment as a marker of their male condition as well as of a family provider. Adolescents' leadership prevailed in the relationship with the mother of their child especially in taking initiative in sexual intercourse and the use of contraceptives. They considered that pregnancy was unexpected and happened "by chance". However, fatherhood was experienced as a definite evidence of their status as adult men. Male adolescents showed to be vulnerable to fatherhood due to gender socialization following traditional patterns. This was evidenced by the inexistence of roles related to self care and care for others, and early playing roles of male sexual dominance, of father and family provider in order to grow up and become a man. (author's) Language: Portuguese Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH | INTERVIEWS | ADOLESCENTS, MALE | FATHERS | AGE FACTORS | CULTURE | BEHAVIOR | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | MALE ROLE | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Data Collection | Adolescents | Youth | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Households | Social Behavior Document Number: 321572 |
| 11. Title: Child nutritional status and household patterns in South Africa. Author: Bomela N Source: African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development. 2007;7(5):1-18. Abstract: About 25% of all children under 5 years in South Africa are severely malnourished. The objective of this study was to assess the comparative effect of person-related and household characteristics on nutritional status of children <5years old in South Africa before 1994 realization of democracy. A secondary analysis of 4 027 children under 5 years from the 1993 Living Standards and Measurement Survey (LSMS) conducted by the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) in South Africa was performed. Only children with plausible Z-scores (n = 4 027) were selected for subsequent analyses. The influence of person-related and household related characteristics on the nutritional status of children were assessed, taking into account variables such as, gender of household head, de jure and de facto household head, relationship of child to household head, size of household, type of toilet facility and type of dwelling. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS/PC+) was used for the analysis. Chronic malnutrition and underweight were significantly pronounced in children from households with de jure household heads (P<0.05). However, chronic malnutrition was markedly prevalent among children from male-headed households. Thus, the presence of the de facto household head and the gender of the head of the household are important in determining nutrition outcomes. Furthermore, children of the head of the household had better nutritional status (P<0.05) than the grandchildren and other children in the household. Both person related and household related variables were significantly associated with malnutrition, but at varied levels. Household expenditure, particularly on the basic needs of life, is the most frequently used measure of socio-economic status in nutritional analysis studies. Expenditure is considered as precisely representing the household's reserves that influence the health status of its members. In the absence of variables used for measuring household expenditure proxy variables are used. The proxy variables (type of dwelling, household size, water source, and toilet location) for economic status of households seem to influence nutritional status more directly while the person related variables seem to indirectly influence nutritional status. (author's) Language: English Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | CHILD | INFANT | MALNUTRITION | CHILD NUTRITION | INFANT NUTRITION | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | HOUSEHOLDS | RESIDENCE CHARACTERISTICS | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Nutrition | Health | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors Document Number: 321427 |
| 12. Title: Children in female-headed households: interrogating the concept of an 'inter-generational transmission of disadvantage' with particular reference to The Gambia, Philippines and Costa Rica. Author: Chant S Source: London, England, London School of Economics, Gender Institute, 2007 Feb. 107 p. (London School of Economics, Gender Institute New Working Paper Series No. 19) Abstract: Grounded in a popular stereotype that female-headed households are the 'poorest of the poor', it is often assumed that women and children suffer greater poverty than in households which conform with a more common (and idealised) male-headed arrangement. In addition, a conjectured 'inter-generational transmission of disadvantage' in female-headed households is imagined not only to compromise the material well-being of children, but to compound other privations - emotional, psychological, social and otherwise. Beyond affecting young people in the short-term, these are also deemed to sow the seeds of future hardship. However, a mounting body of evidence suggests that household headship is not necessarily a good predictor of the start that children have in life, nor of their trajectories into adolescence and adulthood. On the basis of such evidence, the present paper seeks to interrogate -- and challenge -- some (mis)conceptions about female household headship and poverty among children. It finds thatwhile risks to children's well-being may arise through discriminatory or hostile attitudes towards female-headed households in society at large, gender dynamics within male-headed units can be just as prejudicial in this regard. With this in mind, suggestions are offered for gender-sensitive policies which might help to ensure that children in all poor households are guaranteed equality in basic needs and rights. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GAMBIA | PHILIPPINES | COSTA RICA | TECHNICAL REPORT | WOMEN | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | CHILD | MISINFORMATION | STIGMA | SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION | PERCEPTION | POVERTY | GENDER ISSUES | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Central America | Latin America | Americas | Demographic Factors | Population | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Communication | Social Problems | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 320941 |
| 13. Peer Reviewed Title: The social and economic impact of parental HIV on children in northern Malawi: Retrospective population-based cohort study. Author: Floyd S; Crampin AC; Glynn JR; Madise N; Mwenebabu M Source: AIDS Care. 2007 Jul;19(6):781-790. Abstract: From population-based surveys in the 1980s in Karonga district, northern Malawi, 197 'index individuals' were identified as HIV-positive. 396 HIV-negative 'index individuals' were selected as a comparison group. These individuals, and their spouses and children, were followed up in 1998-2000. 582 of 593 index individuals were traced. 487 children of HIV-positive, and 1493 children of HIV-negative, parents were included in analyses. Rates of paternal, maternal, and double orphanhood among children with one or both parents HIV-positive were respectively 6, 8, and 17 times higher than for children with HIV-negative parents. Around 50% of children living apart from both parents had a grandparent as their guardian; for most of the rest the guardian was an aunt, uncle, or sibling. There were no child-headed households. Almost all children aged 6-14 were attending primary school. There was no evidence that parental HIV affected primary school attainment among children < 15 years old. Children of HIV-positive parents were less likely to have attended secondary school than those of HIV-negative parents. The extended family has mitigated the impact of orphanhood on children, but interventions to reduce the incidence of orphanhood, and/or which strengthen society's ability to support orphans, are essential, especially as the HIV epidemic matures and its full impact is felt. (author's) Language: English Keywords: MALAWI | RESEARCH REPORT | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | COHORT ANALYSIS | CASE CONTROL STUDIES | CHILDREN | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN | GRANDPARENTS | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | EXTENDED FAMILY | HOME ECONOMICS | SOCIAL PROBLEMS | FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS | SCHOOL ENROLLMENT | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Households | Microeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Educational Status | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors Document Number: 317613 |
| 14. Title: Children and vulnerability in Tanzania: a brief synthesis. Author: Leach V Source: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Research on Poverty Alleviation [REPOA], 2007. 26 p. (Special Paper 07.25) Abstract: The intention of this paper is to highlight the key issues of children and vulnerability in Tanzania. The paper states that a national framework for social protection must be established to address these overwhelming facets of insecurity and vulnerability for children in Tanzania. The framework needs to reduce vulnerability, strengthen capabilities and must therefore put priority on improving the rural economy and rural conditions of life, and on improving health care and other services in rural areas to reduce the toll of ill-health on children and their caregivers. According to the paper pre-natal and obstetric care must be improved so that at birth babies and their mothers are provided health services which minimise their risk of death. Moreover, individuals who require special support may be identified through a combination of community and local government systems, with strengthened organised community groups to care for the most vulnerable. The paper further states that the level of support provided by several programmes to a relatively small number of children, for clothing, for example, is far in excess of the average expenditures by the majority of households on their children. The challenge is to provide support mechanisms which are not stigmatising, nor discriminatory, but which ensure that all children, no matter what their circumstances, benefit from and contribute to their own development and that of the nation to their fullest capacity. In conclusion the paper emphasises that the implications of this analysis suggest that investments are most critically needed to ensure that there is equitable access to quality health care, and that much more serious attention is needed towards the social attitudes towards children and young people and practices of caring for children, not only as infants, but also as older children. Language: English Keywords: TANZANIA | PROGRESS REPORT | STATISTICAL STUDIES | ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | DISABLED PERSONS AND DISABILITIES | UNICEF | MALNUTRITION | CHILD NUTRITION | CHILD HEALTH | HIV INFECTIONS | EDUCATION | CHILD LABOR | CHILD ABUSE | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Studies | Research Methodology | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Households | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | UN | International Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors | Nutrition Disorders | Nutrition | Health | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Crime | Social Problems Document Number: 327133 |
| 15. Title: Household structure and living conditions in Nigeria. Author: Mberu BU Source: Journal of Marriage and Family. 2007 May;69(2):513-527. Abstract: Data on 7,632 households from the 1999 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey are used to examine household structure and living conditions in Nigeria. The study finds significant disadvantage in living conditions of single-adult, female- and single-adult, male-headed households relative to two-parent households. Extended households show no significant advantage in living conditions over two-parent households if headed by women but are consistently advantaged if headed by men. Although extended households do not entirely wipe out the disadvantage of female headship on household living conditions, they show a significant mitigating potential. Efforts to understand and alleviate poverty in Nigeria may need to address simultaneously gender imbalances in access to livelihood opportunities and factors that foster nucleation of family structure into single-adult households. (author's) Language: English Keywords: NIGERIA | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | HOUSEHOLDS | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | ONE PERSON HOUSEHOLD | EXTENDED FAMILY | LIVING ARRANGEMENTS | QUALITY OF LIFE | HOUSING | SEX FACTORS | SEX DISCRIMINATION | FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Family Characteristics | Residence Characteristics | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Social Welfare | Economic Factors | Population Characteristics | Social Discrimination | Social Problems Document Number: 315372 |
| 16. Title: The institutional context of fertility in Madhya Pradesh, India. Author: Ranjan A; Deolalikar AB Source: Demography India. 2007 Jan-Jun;36(1):55-71. Abstract: In this paper, we attempt to analyse factors affecting fertility in Madhya Pradesh through an institutional perspective, factors that operate at the level of the family and the society. The institutional factors of fertility have largely been a sidelined aspect of fertility research in India. Fertility control efforts in India have generally followed a techno-medical approach which is supply dominated and service-provider oriented. It rarely takes into the account the factors that operate at the level of the family and the society in shaping reproductive behaviour. At present, there is little empirical evidence and understanding of the role of these factors in fertility decision making, especially in the context of Madhya Pradesh. It is generally argued that with social and economic transition, the impact of institutional factors on fertility decision making process can be minimised if not eliminated. If this is true then, in a state like Madhya Pradesh where the social and economic transition is amongst the slowest in the country, it may be hypothesized that institutional factors play a dominant role in shaping reproductive behaviour and in deciding the levels of fertility. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | FERTILITY SURVEYS | MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | CURRENTLY MARRIED | SOCIAL NETWORKS | FERTILITY DETERMINANTS | CULTURE | DECISION MAKING | REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR | FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS | WOMEN'S STATUS | MARITAL FERTILITY | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Data Analysis | Research Methodology | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Marital Status | Nuptiality | Friends and Relatives | Behavior | Family Characteristics | Socioeconomic Factors Document Number: 324143 |
| 17. Peer Reviewed Title: Characteristics of latrine promotion participants and non-participants; inspection of latrines; and perceptions of household latrines in Northern Ghana. Author: Rodgers AF; Ajono LA; Gyapong JO; Hagan M; Emerson PM Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health. 2007 Jun;12(6):772-782. Abstract: The objectives was to examine characteristics of household heads in two districts of Northern Ghana who had or had not participated in latrine promotion programmes; to inspect latrines; and to explore perceptions of latrine ownership. One hundred and twenty latrine owners and 120 non-owners were randomly selected from all trachoma-endemic villages and interviewed. Structured questionnaires assessed demographics, household data, wealth indicators, and perceptions of latrine ownership. Latrines were inspected. Latrine owners and non-owners were similar demographically, but owners were more likely to report any education or wealth indicators: any education OR = 2.0, (95% CI 1.2-3.4); large family size OR = 4.6 (2.6-8.2); children in school OR = 3.8 (1.3-10.5); and metal roof OR = 9.1 (2.0-40.0). All 120 latrine owners were participating in promotion programmes; no latrines had been self-built without programme support. Inspection showed 73/120 (60.1%) latrines were completed and used. Of the uncompleted latrines 41/47 (87.2%) were more than a year old. Programme participants (regardless of whether they had a completed latrine) had contributed cash (mean $16.74 S.D.18.09) and 117/120 had provided labour and/or construction materials. The most frequently reported advantages of latrine ownership were convenience, cleanliness and health benefits; reported disadvantages were the need for maintenance and cleaning and bad odour. Current latrine promotion programmes do not reach all households equally. Joining a latrine programme was expensive and did not guarantee latrine ownership; this may cause people to lose trust in such programmes. Latrines were perceived to be useful, suggesting unmet demand. Reliable and inclusive programmes that provide low cost latrines may receive community support. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GHANA | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | LATRINES | PROMOTION | PERCEPTION | OWNERSHIP | TRACHOMA | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Sanitation | Public Health | Health | Marketing | Economic Factors | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Socioeconomic Factors | Bacterial and Fungal Diseases | Infections | Diseases | Socioeconomic Status Document Number: 317445 |
| 18. Title: Awareness and action: The ethno-gender dynamics of Sri Lankan NGOs. Author: Ruwanpura KN Source: Gender, Place and Culture. 2007 Jun;14(3):317-333. Abstract: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are the modus operandi in the development arena at this juncture. Many, including feminists, place much faith in these actors for creating a progressive space for social, political, and economic activities to be undertaken. This article employs fieldwork evidence from eastern Sri Lanka, carried out in 1998-1999 and early 2004, to challenge this simplistic reading. The primary social group that was studied during the fieldwork period was female-headed households. This article argues that there are different types of NGO working in multiple ways in the region, and it is important to distinguish between these differences. NGOs that primarily execute development-oriented projects without considering the ethno-nationalist and gender politics are culpable of the violence of development. It is only when NGOs are in local communities for the long haul that they are able to develop a commitment to reassess and evaluate the social transformative potential of their activities. Using a feminist political economy perspective this article argues that it is important and necessary that NGOs confront social, political, and economic structures, including ethnic identity politics, if their activities are to lead to transformative feminist politics. In other words, NGOs would have to do more than pay lip service to gender mainstreaming, as is more often the case. These actors need to recognize and understand the potency of ethno-nationalist politics, social structures, social exclusion, and social injustice in order to create social spaces that are enabling of women's agency in the local communities within which they work and operate. (author's) Language: English Keywords: SRI LANKA | RESEARCH REPORT | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH | NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS | ETHNIC GROUPS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | DEMOGRAPHY | GENDER RELATIONS | POLITICAL FACTORS | SEX DISCRIMINATION | SOCIAL CHANGE | FEMINISM | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Research Methodology | Organizations | Sociocultural Factors | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Households | Family and Household | Social Sciences | Science | Gender Issues | Social Discrimination | Social Problems Document Number: 313552 |
| 19. Title: [Validation of a household food security scale in Antioquia, Colombia] Validacion de escala de la seguridad alimentaria domestica en Antioquia, Colombia. Author: Alvarez MC; Estrada A; Montoya EC; Melgar-Quinonez H Source: Salud Publica de Mexico. 2006 Nov-Dec;48(6):474-481. Abstract: The objective was to adapt and validate in households of Antioquia, Colombia, a food security scale previously applied in households of Caracas, Venezuela. The study was carried out in 44 municipalities in the department of Antioquia, Colombia, in 2003 and 2004, with a randomly selected sample of 1 624 rural and urban households with children under 10 years of age, representative for family units located in the department of Antioquia. The sample was selected using a confidence interval of 95% and an error of 3%. Household food security scale previously used by Paulina Lorenzana in Venezuela were validated for this survey. Internal consistency of the scale was determined using the Spearman correlation coefficient and Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. Construct validity was established through principal components analysis for categorical data. Prinqual procedure and Rasch modeling were used to define the components and items in the scale. Factor analysis showed two components: 1) variables related to "food insecurity without hunger", which is explained in 95%; 2) variables related to "food insecurity with hunger", which is explained in 89.4%. Cronbach's Alpha coefficients for "food insecurity without hunger" and "food insecurity with hunger" were 0.95 and 0.89, respectively. When analyzed using Rasch modeling, all items showed infit values within a range of 0.8 and 1.2. The scale correlated significantly (p<0.000) with food availability, begging, children's labor, household size, and occupation of the head of household. The scale can be considered a reliable instrument for assessing food insecurity in Antioquia households. (author's) Spanish Abstract: Adaptar y validar en hogares de Antioquia, Colombia, una escala de seguridad alimentaria anteriormente aplicada en hogares de Caracas, Venezuela. El estudio se realizó en 44 municipios del departamento de Antioquia, Colombia, durante los años 2003 y 2004, en una muestra representativa de los hogares rurales y urbanos del departamento de Antioquia, constituida por 1 624 hogares con niños menores de 10 años; los hogares fueron seleccionados de manera aleatoria, con un índice de confianza de 95% y un error de 3%. Se validó la escala de seguridad alimentaria doméstica utilizada por Paulina Lorenzana en Venezuela, y se determinó la consistencia interna de la escala mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman y el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. La validez del constructo se estableció mediante el método de componentes principales para datos categóricos. Se utilizaron el procedimiento de Prinqual y el modelo de Rasch para definir los componentes y los ítems de la escala. El análisis factorial arrojó dos componentes: 1) las variables relacionadas con "inseguridad alimentaria sin hambre" que lo explican en 95% y 2) las relacionadas con "inseguridad alimentaria con hambre" que lo explican en 89.4%. El coeficiente alfa de Cronbach para el primer componente fue de de 0.95 y para el segundo de 0.89. Al ser analizados con el modelo Rasch, todos los ítems presentaron valores infit en un rango de 0.8 a 1.2. La escala se correlacionó significativa mente con la disponibilidad de alimentos, el recurso de la limosna, el trabajo infantil, el tamaño del hogar y la ocupación del jefe de familia (p < 0.000). La escala puede considerarse un instrumento confiable para la valoración de la inseguridad alimentaria en los hogares de Antioquia. (del autor) Language: Spanish Keywords: COLOMBIA | VENEZUELA | SUMMARY REPORT | HOUSEHOLDS | VALIDITY | FOOD SECURITY | CHILD LABOR | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | OCCUPATIONS | EMPLOYMENT STATUS | Developing Countries | South America, Northern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Measurement | Research Methodology | Food Supply | Natural Resources | Environment | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors Document Number: 315765 |
| 20. Title: Orphans and vulnerable children in Botswana: The impact of HIV / AIDS. Author: Arnab R; Serumaga-Zake PA Source: Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies. 2006 Dec;1(3):221-229. Abstract: The purpose of this research was to investigate the plight of AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in Botswana. The results reflect the poor socioeconomic situation of orphans in the country. Their number, especially in rural areas, is very high (i.e. 15% of all the children in rural areas). On average, 4.2% of the orphaned children of Botswana are household heads. The percentage of child heads of household (including non-orphaned) is greatest in the Central district (37.5%). Most of the orphans are raised by their relatives; for example, by grandparents (33.7%) and uncles (30%), the African tradition of the extended family which should be encouraged. Because orphaned children are, in most cases, not well educated and trained, they end up performing menial work or odd jobs, which are the lowest on the earnings ladder. The results also indicate that very few young people, especially those in the 10-14-year age group (less than 28%) know how HIV transmission can be prevented. There are some indications that young people are beginning to change their sexual behaviour; for example, a Central Statistical Office (CSO) (2005) report indicates that condom use among young people aged 15-24 increased from 81.5% to 87.1% between 2001 and 2004, while the number of people with more than one sex partner reduced from 10.6% to 5.5% for the same period. The provision of antiretroviral therapy to Botswana citizens and the different HIV/AIDS initiatives, programmes or partnerships now taking place in the country, such as the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships (ACHAP), should be applauded. However, much more should be done in terms of AIDS awareness and helping orphans, both socially and economically. For example, the government could create incentives for relatives and neighbours to take responsibility for orphans. This could be done, for instance, in the form of a foster care grant for each child they take into their care. Intervention could be better targeted; for example, children in the 10-14-year age groupand districts such as the Central district, Kweneng and the Southern district should be given the first priority, as they have many child-headed households. It is also recommended that AIDS policy should be gender-biased towards women, and HIV/AIDS initiatives and programmes should be integrated with poverty reduction strategies for sustainable development. (author's) Language: English Keywords: BOTSWANA | RESEARCH REPORT | CENSUS | NEEDS ASSESSMENT | PREVALENCE | ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN | PARENTS | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HIV TESTING | HIV INFECTIONS | AIDS | TRANSMISSION | HOUSEHOLDS | KNOWLEDGE | MORTALITY | AWARENESS | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Population Statistics | Research Methodology | Evaluation | Measurement | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Infections | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 326526 |
| 21. Title: Infants and young children living in youth-headed households in Rwanda: implications of emerging data. Author: Boris NW; Thurman TR; Snider L; Spencer E; Brown L Source: Infant Mental Health Journal. 2006 Nov-Dec;27(6):584-602. Abstract: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has already produced millions of orphans in Africa and the peak of the orphan epidemic has not yet been reached. One emerging social trend associated with premature parental death is the formation of households headed by youth aged 13-24. In Rwanda, specific sociocultural factors have supported the formation of youth-headed households (YHH) in the wake of both the 1994 genocide and the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic. There is no published data on the health and socioemotional functioning of children under 5 living in YHH. Survey data from 692 YHH in one region of Rwanda yielded a subsample of 89 homes which contained one or more children under 5 (n=104). These data reveal that a majority of young children living in YHH's is in fair or poor health. Heads of household themselves report high levels of depressive symptoms and social isolation; reports of emotional distress among the youngest children in the homes are associated with reports of higher symptomatology among heads of household. Findings are interpreted in light of the sociocultural context of Rwanda and the implications of the data for intervention are considered. (author's) Language: English Keywords: RWANDA | RESEARCH REPORT | DATA ANALYSIS | INFANT | CHILD | YOUTH | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN | AIDS | DEATH RATE | DEPRESSION | IMPACT | Developing Countries | Africa, Central | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Mental Disorders | Communication Document Number: 314542 |
| 22. Peer Reviewed Title: ''To enrol or not to enrol?'': A qualitative investigation of demand for health insurance in rural West Africa. [" Souscrire ou ne pas souscrire ? '': Une étude qualitative sur les demandes d'assurance santé en zone rurale d'Afrique de l'ouest] Author: De Allegri M; Sanon M; Sauerborn R Source: Social Science and Medicine. 2006 Mar;62(6):1520-1527. Abstract: In spite of the fact that feeble levels of participation have long been identified as a major constraint to the successful long-term implementation of community-based health insurance (CBI) in low-income countries, evidence on determinants of enrolment in CBI is still lacking. The application of econometric modelling has provided a partial answer to the question, but on its own it has proved to be insufficient to guide policy making. This paper aims to fill this gap in knowledge using qualitative research methods. In-depth interviews with 32 household heads were conducted in the Nouna Health District, Burkina Faso, West Africa to assess determinants of enrolment in a newly established CBI scheme. The findings highlight that factors previously neglected in the literature, such as institutional rigidities and socio-cultural practices, play an important role in shaping the decision to enroll. The discussion of the findings focuses on the policy implications, offering concrete recommendations to maximise enrolment, within and beyond Burkina Faso. (author's) French Abstract: Bien que depuis longtemps l'existence de faibles taux de participation ait été identifiée comme contrainte majeure à l'implantation réussie à long terme d'un système d'assurance santé basée sur la communauté (CBI) dans les pays à faibles revenus, des preuves sur les déterminants d'une souscription à une CBI font toujours défaut. L'application d'une modélisation économétrique a permis de répondre partiellement à cette question, mais elle s'est en elle-même avérée insuffisante pour orienter la mise en place de politiques. Cet article vise à combler cette lacune en matière de connaissances, en utilisant pour ce faire des méthodes de recherche qualitative. Des entretiens approfondis avec 32 chefs de famille ont été menés au sein du district sanitaire de Nouna, au Burkina Faso, Afrique de l'Ouest, en vue d'évaluer les déterminants d'une souscription à un projet de CBI nouvellement fondé. Les résultats soulignent que les facteurs précédemment délaissés dans la littérature, tels que les rigidités institutionnelles et les pratiques socioculturelles, jouent un rôle important dans la détermination de souscrire ou non à ce système. L'examen des résultats est centré sur les implications des politiques, offrant ainsi des recommandations concrètes pour maximiser l'inscription, à l'intérieur et en dehors du Burkina Faso. (de l'auteur) Language: English Keywords: AFRICA, WESTERN | BURKINA FASO | RURAL AREAS | RESEARCH REPORT | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | HEALTH INSURANCE | PARTICIPATION | SOCIAL BEHAVIOR | CULTURE | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | Developing Countries | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Geographic Factors | Population | Research Methodology | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Behavior Document Number: 296243 |
| 23. Title: Female-headed households and livelihood intervention in four selected weredas in Tigray, Ethiopia. Author: Desta M; Haddis G; Ataklt S Source: Oslo, Norway, Drylands Coordination Group, 2006 May. [109] p. (DCG Report No. 44) Abstract: The overall purpose of the study as highlighted in the terms of reference is to identify what development assistance and interventions are made available to the FHHs of the Tigray region. In particular the study tries to look at how rural FHHs perceive and assess the FSP program developed and offered by the regional government and by so doing to come up with recommendations in order to make both the underway development interventions and the policy framework more relevant for the livelihoods of FHHs. The subsidiary development objectives of the study are to: Describe the livelihood options open for both urban and rural FHHs in the region and how these differ from that of MHHs; Assess the level of FHHs' uptake and rejection of the FSP program; Assess rural urban-linkages and their impacts on the livelihood of FHHs; and Assess the gender aspects of the development interventions being planned and implemented in the different parts of the region. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: ETHIOPIA | SUMMARY REPORT | RURAL POPULATION | WOMEN | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | OCCUPATIONS | AGRICULTURE | POVERTY | POLICY | HUMAN RESOURCES | CAPACITY BUILDING | ADVOCACY | INTERVENTIONS | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Factors | Macroeconomic Factors | Socioeconomic Factors | Political Factors | Program Sustainability | Programs | Organization and Administration | Communication Document Number: 312702 |
| 24. Title: Documentary film embraces child participation; educates and advocates for the needs of child-headed households. Author: Fanelli CW Source: Art'ishake. 2006 Winter;(1):19-21. Abstract: "[We think] this film was created to make people understand that even if you are an orphan or your parents have left you, you can work for yourself. The death of one's parents does not mean the end of life. We want our friends to watch the film because you don't know what the future holds, and you might find yourself in the same circumstance as the children in the film." - Excerpt from a film review of "The Children They Are Left With" by children in Harare, published in STRIVE TIMES, Issue 5. Child-headed households are a tragic consequence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, and the gaps it has created in the traditional extended family safety net. In Zimbabwe, children in such households are among the thousands of orphans and other vulnerable children served by Catholic Relief Services' STRIVE project, an initiative that supports the effective, innovative programming of more than a dozen community-based partners. To inform its programming strategy, STRIVE has undertaken studies on child-headed households and held extensive discussions with partners about how to best assist this particular group of children. But, in 2004, STRIVE realized it needed something more. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: ZIMBABWE | CRITIQUE | CHILD | ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES | FILM AND VIDEO | CAUSES OF DEATH | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Education | Mass Media | Communication | Mortality | Population Dynamics Document Number: 303485 |
| 25. Peer Reviewed Title: Nutritional status and spousal empowerment among native Amazonians. Author: Godoy RA; Patel A; Reyes-Garcia V; Seyfried CF Jr; Leonard WR Source: Social Science and Medicine. 2006 Sep;63(6):1517-1530. Abstract: Researchers and development organizations have shown interest in individual empowerment because it presumably improves well-being. Estimates of empowerment's effects on well-being contain biases from the potential endogeneity of empowerment. Using data from a sexually egalitarian and highly autarkic society of foragers and horticulturalists in the Bolivian Amazon, the Tsimane', we overcome the problems that this poses by: (1) matching spouses' responses to the same questions about who makes decisions or who breaks ties in 10 domains to improve accuracy in measures of empowerment; and (2) using parental attributes of spouses as instrumental variables for spousal empowerment. Outcomes include two anthropometric indices of short-run nutritional status: body-mass index and age and sex-standardized z scores of mid-arm muscle area. The amount of empowerment of household heads did not affect their nutritional status or other indicators of their well-being, such as income, wealth, expenditures, happiness, social capital, or self-perceived health. It also did not affect the nutritional status of their offspring. Nor did it affect the difference in income, wealth, or monetary expenditures between spouses. The insubstantial effects persisted with other definitions of empowerment or types of regressions. We end with a discussion of why empowerment, despite its popularity in development discourse, has such tenuous links with objective indicators of well-being, and the implication of this finding for future studies of empowerment's effects. (author's) Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | KAP SURVEYS | INDIGENOUS POPULATION | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT | SPOUSE | NUTRITION | ANTHROPOMETRY | QUALITY OF LIFE | HUMAN CAPITAL | Developing Countries | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Research Methodology | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Women's Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Health | Measurement | Social Welfare | Human Resources Document Number: 304753 |
| 26. Title: Household health-seeking behaviour in Khartoum, Sudan: the willingness to pay for public health services if these services are of good quality. Author: Habbani K; Groot W; Jelovac I Source: Health Policy. 2006;75:140-158. Abstract: In this paper, we analyse the extent of willingness to pay for good quality public health services in relation to the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of respondents. The analysis was carried out by way of a household survey conducted in Khartoum, Sudan in 2001. We studied willingness to pay by means of a contingent valuation method. A logistic regression model was used for the statistical analysis. The results show that the overall percentage of people who are willing to pay for good quality public health services is either 80% or 75% depending on whether respondents already pay for these services (group 1) or not (group 2). They show that although the two groups are willing to pay for good quality public health services, the demographic characteristics that affect the willingness to pay differ between the two groups. The results of the logistic regression analysis for each group are remarkably similar. We conclude that if the quality of services is improved, reasonable fees could be set. This supports the continuity of the policy to recover costs because virtually the majority of the households would be willing to pay reasonable fees. (author's) Language: English Keywords: SUDAN | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | UTILIZATION OF HEALTH CARE | FEES | ATTITUDES | QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS | PUBLIC HEALTH | Africa, North | Africa | Developing Countries | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Households | Family and Household | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Health Services Evaluation | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Socioeconomic Factors | Population Document Number: 293433 |
| 27. Peer Reviewed Title: A comparison of female- and male-headed households in Tanzania and poverty implications. Author: Katapa RS Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2006 May;38(3):327-339. Abstract: Female- and male-headed households were compared using data from a Demographic and Health Survey conducted in Tanzania in 1996. Chi-squared tests showed that sex of head of household was highly significantly associated with: residence, household size and composition, radio ownership, having enough food to eat, and age and marital status of head of household. An analysis by the logit regression model showed that female-headed households were more likely than male-headed households to be in rural areas, be small, have fewer men, not have radios and not have enough food to eat. The majority of female heads of households were unmarried and older than male heads of households. The implication is that female-headed households are poorer than male-headed households. (author's) Language: English Keywords: TANZANIA | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | SEX FACTORS | FAMILY SIZE | LIVING ARRANGEMENTS | RADIO | NUTRITION | AGE FACTORS | MARITAL STATUS | RESIDENCE CHARACTERISTICS | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Population Characteristics | Family Characteristics | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Broadcast Media | Mass Media | Communication | Health | Nuptiality Document Number: 299972 |
| 28. Peer Reviewed Title: Perceived delay in healthcare-seeking for episodes of serious illness and its implications for safe motherhood interventions in rural Bangladesh. Author: Killewo J; Anwar I; Bashir I; Yunus M; Chakraborty J Source: Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. 2006 Dec;24(4):403-412. Abstract: Delay in accessing emergency obstetric-care facilities during life-threatening obstetric complications is a significant determinant of high maternal mortality in developing countries. To examine the factors associated with delays in seeking care for episodes of serious illness and their possible implications for safe motherhood interventions in rural Bangladesh, a cross-sectional study was initiated in Matlab sub-district on the perceptions of household heads regarding delays in seeking care for episodes of serious illness among household members. Of 2,177 households in the study, 881 (40.5%) reported at least one household member who experienced an illness perceived to be serious enough to warrant care-seeking either from health facilities or from providers. Of these, 775 (88.0%) actually visited some providers for treatment, of whom 79.1% used transport. Overall, 69.3% perceived a delay in deciding to seek care, while 12.1% and 24.6% perceived a delay in accessing transport and in reaching the provider respectively. The median time required to make a decision to seek care was 72 minutes, while the same was 10 minutes to get transport and 80 minutes to reach a facility or a provider. Time to decide to seek care was shortest for pregnancy-related conditions and longest for illnesses classified as chronic, while time to reach a facility was longest for pregnancy-related illnesses and shortest for illnesses classified as acute. However, the perceived delay in seeking care did not differ significantly across socioeconomic levels or gender categories but differed significantly between those seeking care from informal providers compared to formal providers. Reasons for the delay included waiting time for results of informal treatment, inability to judge the graveness of disease, and lack of money. For pregnancy-related morbidities, 45% reported 'inability to judge the graveness of the situation' as a reason for delay in making decision. After controlling for possible confounders in multivariate analysis, type of illness and facility visited were the strongest determinants of delay in making decision to seek care. To reduce delays in making decision to seek care in rural Bangladesh, safe motherhood interventions should intensify behaviour change-communication efforts to educate communities to recognize pregnancy-danger signs for which a prompt action must be taken to save life. This strategy should be combined with efforts to train community-based skilled birth attendants, upgrading public facilities to provide emergency obstetric care, introduce voucher schemes to improve access by the poorest of the poor, and improve the quality of care at all levels. (author's) Language: English Keywords: BANGLADESH | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | RURAL POPULATION | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | PREGNANT WOMEN | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | UTILIZATION OF HEALTH CARE | PERCEPTION | PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS | EMERGENCY SERVICES | TIME FACTORS | MOTIVATION | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Diseases | Population Dynamics Document Number: 315570 |
| 29. Peer Reviewed Title: Problems and needs of children affected by HIV / AIDS: need for integration in national policies and programmes. Author: Nadkarni VV; Soletti A Source: Journal of Family Welfare. 2006;52 Spec No:52-67. Abstract: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized in 1981, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed 3.1 million (2.8-3.6 million) lives in 2005; more than half a million (570 000) were children. The epidemic in Asia is expanding rapidly. An estimated 7.4 million people are living with HIV in the region and 1.1 million people became newly infected last year alone - more than in any single year before. Home to 60 percent of the world's population, the fast-growing Asian epidemic has huge global implications. In all affected countries with either high or low HIV prevalence, AIDS hinders development, exacting a devastating toll on individuals and families. In the hardest-hit countries, it is erasing decades of health, economic and social progress - reducing life expectancy by years, deepening poverty, and contributing to and exacerbating food shortages. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | AIDS | HIV INFECTIONS | NEEDS | CHILD ABUSE | MENTAL HEALTH | SOCIAL POLICY | STIGMA | SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Households | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Economic Factors | Crime | Social Problems | Health | Policy | Political Factors Document Number: 305280 |
| 30. Title: Working with resource-poor urban communities in Mwanza City, Tanzania. Experiences on external HIV / AIDS mainstreaming. Author: Ng'wanangwa DP Source: Exchange on HIV / AIDS, Sexuality and Gender. 2006;1:[4] p. Also available in French. Abstract: About 74% of the population in Mwanza City in North-western Tanzania lives in informal settlements. The unplanned settlements of Ilemela and Pasiansi wards are characterized by high population density, lack of basic social services and generally poor infrastructure. The Mwanza Urban Livelihood Programme of ACORD (Agency for Co-operation and Research in Development) started working with resource-poor urban households in the unplanned areas in 1999, through interventions focusing on increasing community access to micro-finance services, environmental sanitation and education, and on HIV/AIDS and gender issues. The programme especially targets poor female-headed households. It supports women in formulation of women's groups to access micro credit, or providing home-based care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) and families affected by the pandemic. Some women were trained to become community facilitators -- on hygiene education, HIV/AIDS awareness, etc. and two women were trained as local artisans who also provide hygiene education. Further, the project supports community members in the formulation of Gender Action Groups (consisting of three women and two men) with the aim to improve gender relations and fight discrimination and abuse of women. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: TANZANIA | PROGRESS REPORT | EVALUATION | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | URBAN POPULATION | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | WOMEN'S GROUPS | HIV INFECTIONS | HOME ECONOMICS | MICROECONOMIC FACTORS | FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES | SANITATION | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | |