TITLE:
Lay vs. Professional Perspectives: The Sexual and Reproductive Health of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Uganda
AUTHORS:
Gloria K. Seruwagi
KEYWORDS:
Orphans and Vulnerable Children, OVC, OVC Health, Child Health, Child Agency
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Preventive Medicine,
Vol.4 No.7,
July
29,
2014
ABSTRACT: Background/Introduction:
Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in sub-Saharan Africa have been the focus
of much popular and academic writing and the growing body of evidence cannot be
overlooked. Existing research focuses on projections of OVC numbers, interventions,
outcomes and descriptions of care arrangements. A lot of information exists on
their poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) status—most of it
quantitative. The purpose of this paper is to present the voice and perceptions
of OVC in regards to their SRH. Methods: This was a mixed-methods qualitative
study drawing from phenomenology and it used purposive sampling to recruit 129
participants. Results: OVC perceptions and priorities do not always intersect
with those of professionals and this has implications for existing and planned
interventions. For example some OVC think favorably about early marriages while
others have mechanisms of self-protection again SRH harm although this is not
usually acknowledged. Conclusions: OVC demonstrate agency; therefore positioning
them at the heart of service planning and
delivery is an effective strategy in increasing the uptake and impact of
interventions seeking to address their sexual and reproductive health
needs.