Housing conditions and mental health of orphans in South Africa.

Journal: Health & place

Volume: 24

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 2014

Affiliated Institutions:  Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, South Africa. Electronic address: MaraisJGL@ufs.ac.za.

Abstract summary 

Literature from the developed world suggests that poor housing conditions and housing environments contribute to poor mental health outcomes, although research results are mixed. This study investigates the relationship between housing conditions and the socio-emotional health of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in South Africa. The results of the study are mainly inconclusive, although it is suggested that methodological considerations play a vital role in explaining the mixed results. However, a positive relationship was found between living in informal settlements and better socio-emotional health of the OVC. We speculate that the historical context of informal settlement formation in South Africa helps to explain this unexpected result.

Authors & Co-authors:  Marais Lochner L Sharp Carla C Pappin Michele M Lenka Molefi M Cloete Jan J Skinner Donald D Serekoane Joe J

Study Outcome 

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Citations :  Adam E, Chase-Lansdale L. Home sweet home(s): parental separations, residential moves, and adjustment problems in low-income adolescent girls. Developmental Psycology. 2002;38(5):792–805.
Authors :  7
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1016/j.healthplace.2013.08.004
SSN : 1873-2054
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Adolescent
Other Terms
Housing conditions;Informal settlements;Mental health;Orphans
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Mixed Methods
Country of Study
South Africa
Publication Country
England