The impact of HIV on children's education in eastern Zimbabwe
Study found no evidence that HIV status affects education but orphans do experience worse education outcomes
Abstract
Little is known about how HIV impacts directly and indirectly on receiving, or particularly succeeding in, education in sub-Saharan Africa. To address this gap, we used multivariable logistic regression to determine the correlation between education outcomes in youth (aged 15–24) (being in the correct grade-for-age, primary school completion and having at least five “O” level passes) and being HIV-positive; having an HIV-positive parent; being a young carer; or being a maternal, paternal or double orphan, in five rounds (1998–2011) of a general population survey from eastern Zimbabwe. The fifth survey round (2009–2011) included data on children aged 6–17, which were analysed for the impacts of the above risk factors on regular attendance in primary and secondary schools and being in the correct grade-for-age.
The study found no evidence that HIV status affects education but further evidence that orphans do experience worse education outcomes than other children. Combination approaches that provide incentives for children to attend school and equip schools with tools to support vulnerable children may be most effective in improving education outcomes and should be developed and evaluated.
Citation
Pufall, E.; Nyamukapa, C.; Eaton, J.W.; Campbell, C.; Skovdal, M.; Munyati, S.; Robertson, L.; Gregson, S. The impact of HIV on children’s education in eastern Zimbabwe. AIDS Care (2014) 26 (9) 1136-1143. [DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2014.892564]
Links
The impact of HIV on children’s education in eastern Zimbabwe