Depression, Delinquency and Peer Problems among Children and Adolescents Affected by HIV/AIDS in Ghana: The Mediating Role of Child Labour

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.