Factors conveying resilience in the context of urban poverty: The case of orphans and vulnerable children in the informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Background: This paper aims to extend the knowledge of the psychosocial impact of orphanhood through a detailed description of child welfare outcomes; explore the relationship between child-, household- and neighbourhood-level characteristics and child welfare outcomes; and suggest potential points of intervention to support orphans and vulnerable children. Methods: Two indices of psychosocial welfare were developed: emotional well-being and perceived care. Multilevel regression models were applied to identify the sources of variability in these outcomes. Results: Vulnerability was associated more with poverty and neighbourhood characteristics, than with orphanhood. Conclusion: Targeted support for orphans should take into account the loss incurred, the age and gender of the child, and the characteristics of the community in which the child lives. © 2009 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.