Abstract:
Although in the developing countries, child labour is still on the increase despite several efforts to end
it, little is known about rates of child labour among orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC). The paper explores levels
of child labour and its relationship with psychological wellbeing among OVC in Ghana.
Method: This study employed cross-sectional, quantitative survey that involved 291 children aged 10-18 years in
the Lower Manya Krobo District of Ghana and examined their psychological wellbeing and child labour.
Results: The findings of the present study indicate that, compared with children who were not experiencing HIV/
AIDS in their families, children orphaned by AIDS and children living with HIV/AIDS-affected caregivers had higher
levels of psychological symptoms. These associations were mostly unattenuated when relevant socio-demographic
factors. Overall, children affected by HIV/AIDS (OVC) reported engaging in significantly more domestic chores and care
responsibilities than comparison children and that child labour strongly mediates the association between orphanhood
status and psychological problems.
Conclusion: The findings call for the development of comprehensive intervention programmes that address both
factors specific to HIV/AIDS and contextual variables such as child labour.
