Title: Impact of the HIV-1 epidemic on orphan mortality in a rural Ugandan population cohort.

POPLINE Document Number: 127791

Author(s):

Kamali A
Whitworth JA
Ruberantwari A
Carpenter LM

Source citation:

In: The socio-demographic impact of AIDS in Africa. Based on the conference organized by the Committee on AIDS of the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) and the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, 3-6 February 1997. Papers. Liege, Belgium, International Union for the Scientific Study of Population [IUSSP], 1997. :14 p.

Abstract:

AIDS-related mortality is responsible for the creation of more than 40% of orphans in Uganda's rural populations. The HIV epidemic also contributes directly to childhood mortality. Children under age 15 years in a rural population cohort in southwest Uganda of approximately 10,000 people in 15 neighboring villages were followed from 1990/91 to 1994/95 to establish mortality rates for the period. 4975 children were identified, of whom 10.4% were orphans. 6.3% of all children had lost their father, 2.8% had lost their mother, and 1.3% had lost both parents. Overall HIV-1 prevalence for all ages and among children remained at 5% and 1%, respectively, throughout the study period. 10 of the 32 HIV-seropositive and 110 of the 4562 HIV-seronegative children died over the 4-year follow-up period. 2 of the 10 HIV-seropositive deaths and 9 of the 110 HIV-seronegative deaths were of orphans. Data presented and analyzed indicate the existence of an association between HIV-1 and orphanhood and child and mothers' mortality. However, no convincing evidence was found of increased mortality for orphans after allowing for age and HIV status. The current capacity of this community to cope with its orphans could be overwhelmed if the burden of orphans increases.

Keywords:

Uganda
Research Report
Rural Population
HIV Infections
AIDS
Excess Mortality
Epidemics
Fostering
Orphans and Vulnerable Children
Developing Countries
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Mortality
Population Dynamics
Child Rearing
Behavior
Youth
Age Factors
Family and Household