Strong Family Support Research Articles

Systematic scoping review of ageing in place strategies in Japan, Singapore and Thailand: A comparative analysis.

Given the differing cultural contexts and service needs of older persons in the west and the east, programs or policies should be thoughtfully redesigned to accommodate these diverse societies. This paper presents a systematic scoping review of ageing in place (AIP) strategies in Japan, Singapore and Thailand, emphasising how they are tailored to address the unique challenges of ageing populations in Asia. A systematic literature search was conducted through seven databases. Empirical, peer-reviewed studies in English that discussed AIP-related programs or policies involving aged populations in the target countries were included. Themes were identified using the policy triangle framework, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of AIP across the countries. Three key components of AIP, place, support network and workforce, were identified from 44 included studies. Each country exhibits distinctive approaches to implementing these components. Japan has extensive AIP systems with comprehensive services and strong community and family support. Singapore offers innovative aged care with significant government involvement, though on a smaller scale. Thailand's localised initiatives focus on community health care and age-friendly city assessments, with a less developed AIP infrastructure. The study proposes a comprehensive framework for developing ageing policies in Asia, emphasising the need for a person-centred approach in developing AIP strategies that cater to the diverse needs of ageing populations, and underscores the importance of integrating health-care services, community support and home environment modifications. The three AIP elements advocate for a person-centred approach, providing valuable insights for policymakers to effectively manage challenges of rapidly ageing populations.

A Systematic Review of Resilience in At-Risk Youth for Psychotic Disorders: An Analysis of Protective and Risk Factors from Recent Literature.

Psychotic disorders in youth pose significant challenges for mental health services, necessitating a detailed understanding of the interplay between risk factors and resilience. This systematic review aimed to assess how resilience factors might buffer the adverse effects of risk factors on the development of psychosis among youth, thereby informing targeted interventions. Studies were selected based on criteria including a focus on individuals aged up to 25 years old at risk for psychosis, the examination of both risk factors and resilience, and the use of validated instruments for measuring outcomes. Literature searches were conducted across several databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Data extraction emphasized odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) for risk factors, including familial, developmental, and socio-environmental influences. The review included and analyzed nine studies, encompassing a diverse sample of 140,972 participants. Significant findings indicate that highly supportive familial and community environments significantly reduce the risk of psychosis onset. For instance, children with strong family support and engagement in structured activities demonstrated a 40% lower incidence of developing psychotic symptoms [p < 0.05]. Furthermore, the presence of neurobehavioral deficits, such as impaired verbal memory and attention, emerged as significant predictors of psychosis, with these children exhibiting a threefold increase in risk compared to their peers [OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 2.1-4.8, p < 0.01]. Resilience factors play a critical role in mitigating the impact of psychosocial and neurobiological risks in the development of psychosis among youths. Interventions enhancing resilience could potentially alter the trajectory of psychosis development, emphasizing the need for early and targeted psychosocial interventions to support at-risk populations. This study underscores the importance of fostering resilience through both individual-focused and community-based strategies to prevent the onset of psychotic disorders in vulnerable young populations.

Psychological and emotional profiles of Australian uterine transplant potential recipients: A comparison with international trials.

Uterus transplant (UTx) has emerged as a groundbreaking solution for individuals with uterine factor infertility (UFI). This study is the first in Australia to explore the psychosocial functioning of potential recipients assessed for the nation's initial UTx clinical trial and to compare their psychological profiles with those from international UTx trials. This is a mixed methods prospective study incorporating standardized psychological measures and semi-structured interviews. Conducted at a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia, the study involved 10 female Australian UTx potential recipients with UFI undergoing assessment for UTx surgery. Participants underwent comprehensive psychological evaluation using validated measures and in-depth semi-structured interviews. Quantitative measurement tools included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Form-36 Health Survey, Fertility Quality of Life, and the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews. The Australian UTx potential recipients reported significantly higher Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores compared to the Australian general population in general health (p < 0.04), bodily pain (p < 0.02), social functioning (p < 0.02), and emotional well-being (p < 0.01). Compared with international UTx cohorts, the Australian UTx group showed comparable SF-36 outcomes, with minor variations observed for general health and physical function domains. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores revealed lower anxiety, but slightly higher depression levels compared to international UTx trial cohorts. Fertility quality-of-life scores were significantly higher in the Australian UTx group compared to women experiencing primary infertility across four domains (p < 0.001). Thematic analysis of interviews highlighted the complex emotional impact of infertility, strong family and social support, and the perception of UTx as a transformative opportunity to achieve wholeness and motherhood. UTx represents a novel treatment option for women with UFI. This is the first qualitative study in Australia, it demonstrates the connection between women with UFI and their motivations for parenthood. These findings highlight the importance of tailored psychological assessments and establish a foundation for future research exploring the psychological characteristics of patient candidacy for UTxs.

Biopsychosocial Model Analysis of a Recurrent Guillain–Barré Syndrome Patient’s Recovery

Abstract Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease that generally follows a monophasic course and typically does not recur. This case report explores the application of the biopsychosocial model in the context of a 46-year-old patient who experienced GBS for the second time in 2 years. It highlights the predisposing, precipitating, perpetuating, and protective factors affecting the patient’s biological, psychological, and social aspects during their recovery journey. The patient’s excellent socioeconomic status, social activity, and strong family support along with vigorous physical therapy played a crucial role in their remarkable recovery.

Prevalence of Perinatal Depression and Its Associated Risk Factors among Nepalese Women in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Perinatal mental health is a major public health issue that arises during pregnancy and/or after birth, with substantial implications for social, parental, and maternal functioning, as well as overall quality of life. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of perinatal depression and its associated risk factors among women who visited a maternity hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital in Kathmandu. A total of 300 women in their perinatal period were interviewed. The Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to measure perinatal depression. The Poisson regression model was used to determine risk factors associated with perinatal depression. The mean age of respondents was 25.5 (SD 4.5) years; average age during their first pregnancy was 23.5 (SD 3.7) years; and 53.7% of respondents were in the antenatal period. The prevalence of depressive symptoms (EPDS ≥ 10) was 40% (95% CI 31.4% to 45.8%). Unsupportive family members (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 2.23; 95% CI 1.75-2.86), postnatal period (aPR 2.64; 95% CI 1.97-3.53), complications faced during delivery (aPR 1.76; 95%CI 1.30-2.39), history of intimate partner violence (aPR 0.48; 95% CI 0.36-0.64), and first pregnancy at the age of ≤25 years (aPR 0.61; 95% CI 0.42-0.88) were identified as key risk factors of perinatal depression. Strong family support and the active involvement of partners in counselling can contribute to alleviating perinatal depression symptoms. Targeted interventions in health and well-being services should be implemented to address mental health burden during both pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Effectiveness of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Enhancing Clinical Outcomes for Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Analysis.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a structured intervention aimed at improving the clinical outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This systematic review assesseshow well different types of CR, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), Nordic walking (NW), and home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR), improve exercise capacity, quality of life, and lower death and illness rates. The objective is to assess the effectiveness of cardiovascular rehabilitation programs in enhancing clinical outcomes for patients diagnosed with CAD. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model across Google Scholar, EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, and web browsers. Keywords such as "cardiac rehabilitation," "coronary artery disease," "exercise testing," "VO2 peak," and "physical activity" were used in different combinations. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials, observational studies, or longitudinal studies published after 2013 in English, with a focus on the impact of CR on CAD. Articles were excluded if they were reviews, meta-analyses, or did not meet the keyword requirements. A total of 375 articles were initially identified with relevant citations. After further screening, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The studies reviewed demonstrated that all forms of CR, including HIIT, MICT, NW, and HBCR, significantly improved exercise capacity and quality of life, and reduced depression severity among CAD patients. Nordic walking showed marked improvements in functional capacity, while HIIT resulted in higher VO2 peak levels compared to moderate-intensity exercise. Home-based CR showed greater adherence rates, especially among older patients and those with strong family support. The results also highlighted the importance of individualized exercise programs to enhance adherence and outcomes. Cardiac rehabilitation is a vital component of secondary prevention in CAD patients, significantly improving clinical outcomes, including exercise capacity, quality of life, and mortality rates. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining and expanding access to CR programs and tailoring interventions to patient needs to optimize long-term health outcomes. Future research should explore the comparative effectiveness of different CR modalities and strategies to increase patient adherence.

Variations in Depression and Anxiety among Jordanian Women Undergoing Mastectomy and Reconstruction Surgery: Impact of Familial Support.

Depression and anxiety are common among breast cancer patients, due to the ongoing mental distress during illness. This study examines the impact of family support on depression and anxiety changes in Jordanian women undergoing mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the effect between family support and depression/anxiety levels in women post-mastectomy in Jordan. Participants included breast cancer patients who had undergone mastectomy surgery, meeting specified inclusion criteria. We collected data on socio-demographic variables via a questionnaire between October 2023 and January 2024. Depression and anxiety levels were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21), while social support was evaluated using the Social Support Survey. A significantly negative correlation was observed between the DASS-21 score and social support, indicating that higher levels of social support were associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (p-value: 0.001). Additionally, analyzing the correlation between physical therapy, social support (median scores: 76 vs. 90, p = 0.021), and DASS-21 (median scores: 25 vs. 11, p < 0.001) revealed significant findings. Specifically, individuals who had received physical therapy exhibited significantly lower DASS-21 scores and higher social support scores. Our study underscores the significant role of family support in alleviating depression and anxiety levels among women with breast cancer. Strong family support emerges as a key factor in improving the emotional well-being of these individuals.

The Effect of Online Learning on Student Motivation and Achievement during the Pandemic

This study aims to analyze the impact of online learning on students' motivation and academic achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The method used in this study is a quantitative survey by distributing questionnaires to 300 high school students in various regions in Indonesia. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to identify the relationship between the variables studied. The results show that online learning has a significant effect on students' motivation to learn, with 65% of respondents reporting a decrease in motivation due to the challenges faced. However, the effect on academic achievement varied; students with good access to technology and strong family support showed a 20% increase in academic achievement compared to those with less support. Based on these findings, it is recommended that education policy prioritizes the development of more inclusive learning strategies, including improved access to technology and training for teachers in digital pedagogy, to ensure all students have equitable and quality learning opportunities.

Proportion and factors influencing healthcare-seeking behavior among older people in Motta town, East Gojjam: a community-based cross-sectional study, Ethiopia, 2023

BackgroundIn resource-limited countries, older people who are at risk and face numerous health problems, often receive insufficient attention regarding their healthcare-seeking behavior. Assessing the proportion of healthcare-seeking behavior and associated factors among older people in Motta town, was the aim of the study.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from April 22 to May 22, 2023. The study subjects were chosen using a systematic random sampling technique. To identify candidate variables for multivariable analysis, a bivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Variables having a P-value of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsFrom the total, 161 (39.3%) of respondents had good healthcare-seeking behavior with 95% CI [35%, 44%]. Secondary school [AOR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.27, 5.68], Education college and above [AOR = 4.6, 95% CI = 2.27, 9.33], Family support during their illness [AOR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.05, 3.09], Members of CBHI [AOR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.21, 3.36], and presence of chronic illness [AOR = 2.55, 95%, CI = 1.64, 3.97] were significantly associated with good healthcare-seeking behavior.Conclusion and recommendationThis study found that good healthcare-seeking behavior among older people is significantly associated with higher education, strong family support, Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) membership, and chronic illnesses. Improving health literacy through education, strengthening family support systems, expanding CBHI participation for better healthcare access, and developing targeted chronic disease management programs to enhance this behavior is recommended. These strategies can collectively improve healthcare utilization and outcomes for older people.

Effect of Gender, Migration, and Family Support on Socio-Economic Well-Being of Nepalese Youth

This study explored the interplay between gender dynamics, migration experiences, and family support and their impact on the socio-economic well-being of Nepali youth. A structured questionnaire was administered to 384 Nepali youth aged 18-34 years using a convenience sampling design. With the diversified participant profile, the descriptive analysis found that there is negative impact of traditional gender norms on welfare, while migration experiences and strong family support had positive socio-economic effects. Empirical correlations supported the hypotheses, emphasizing the need for gender-specific interventions and policies. The study advocates for approaches that consider migration experiences, family support, and the reconfiguration of traditional gender roles. It provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, emphasizing the importance of addressing gender inequalities, formulating migration policies, and strengthening family support systems. Specific strategies, including counseling programs and services, are necessary to alleviate the socio-economic challenges faced by Nepali youth. The study offers a framework for designing effective programs and interventions that consider the complex relationship between gender development, migration experiences, family support, and the socio-economic well-being of Nepali youth.

Relationships between Family Support, Gender, and Education on Quality of Life in Elderly in Jambi: Multi-Level Analysis

Background: The elderly pain rate in 2021 is 22.48%, this shows that around one in five elderly people in Indonesia have experienced illness in the past month. 3 factors affect predisposing factors, including knowledge and attitudes, supporting factors, and reinforcing factors. This study aims to determine the relationship between family support, gender, and education to the quality of life of the elderly in Jambi.Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Jambi, Indonesia, from March to April 2024. A total of 200 elderly participants were selected using fixed disease sampling. The independent variables were gender, education, family support, and Integrated Health Posts for the elderly. The dependent variable is quality of life. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using multiple linear regression.Results: Quality of life in old age improved with strong family support (b= 0.46; 95% CI= 0.19 to 0.74; p = 0.001) and ≥high school education (b=4.99; 95%CI = 2.89 to 7.09; p &lt;0.0010). The quality of life of the elderly decreased or decreased in women compared to men (b= 2.94; 95% CI= -5.22 to -0.66; p= 0.011). There was a strong contextual influence of Integrated Health Posts for the elderly on the quality of life of the elderly (ICC= 31.15%).Conclusion: The quality of life of the elderly improves with strong family support and ≥high school education. The quality of life of the elderly decreases or is lower in women than men. There is a strong contextual influence of Integrated Health Posts for the elderly on the quality of life of the elderly.

‘I take the drugs… to make the sickness to move out of me’: key populations’ and service provider perspectives about facilitators and barriers to ART adherence and retention in care in Nigeria

BackgroundAdherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has individual and public health benefits and is critical to improving life expectancy, achieving viral suppression, and reducing the risk of HIV transmission. This qualitative study explored the experience of receiving care as well as perceived facilitators and barriers of treatment initiation, retention in ART care, and adherence to treatment.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted among 28 men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSWs) receiving ART services in Lagos and Benue states. Key informant interviews were also conducted among 16 service providers engaged in counselling, clinical care, and ART treatment for MSM and FSWs. The Social Ecology Model guided the exploration of perceived barriers and facilitators of treatment initiation, retention in ART care and adherence to treatment. Qualitative data analysis was managed using NVIVO 11 software and themes were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsWe found that the key barriers to ART adherence were low motivation to comply with medication regimen, work commitments, socioeconomic factors, stigma, negative provider attitude and distance to health facilities. Facilitators of adherence identified include the desire to live a productive life, strong family support and participation in support group programs. Comprehensive adherence counselling, support group programs and an effective follow-up system were factors identified by service providers as key to facilitating adherence.ConclusionTo be effective, ART programs must address the unique challenges key populations face in accessing treatment and achieving optimal adherence regarding establishing a strong support system and follow-up. Community level interventions that support a stigma-free environment are critical to sustaining engagement in care.

Perlindungan Hukum Terhadap Asisten Rumah Tangga (ART) yang Mengalami Kekerasan Ditinjau dari Hukum Ketenagakerjaan

The existence of household assistants (ART) is often ignored in labor laws in many countries, including Indonesia. This results in unfair treatment and minimal access for household members to legal protection, which increases the risk of violence against them. This violence includes verbal, physical and sexual harassment, but is difficult for household members to report due to limited legal knowledge and fear of retaliation. Social stigma and lack of support also exacerbate the situation, leaving many cases of violence unreported and perpetrators unaccounted for. This research aims to increase awareness of the importance of legal protection for household members, evaluate the implementation of labor laws, and encourage regulatory changes to expand protection. The research method uses a qualitative and descriptive approach through literature study. The research results show that legal protection for household members in Indonesia is still weak and ineffective, especially because household members are not explicitly regulated in labor law. Key barriers include a lack of rights awareness, training of law enforcement officers, and a culture of amicable resolution of violence. Better legal protection for household members needs to be implemented immediately through the ratification of the Domestic Workers Protection Bill, educational campaigns and training for law enforcement officers. Strong family, community and political support is also needed to create a safer and fairer environment for ART.

The Role of Family Dynamics and Social Support in Substance Use Recovery within the Naga Society

While previous researchers have explored the impact of family and social support networks in the process of substance use recovery, there is a lack of research on the same for the Naga Community from North-East, India. A sample of 150 participants aged 18-35 from the Naga Community of Nagaland currently in the process of substance use recovery was surveyed. Data was collected through self-report measures including FACES III - Family Version Scale to assess the family dynamics, the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ6) to assess an individual’s perceived social support, the Substance Use Recovery Evaluator Scale (SURE) to assess the individual’s progress in substance use recovery. The study revealed a statistically significant correlation between substance use recovery and the family cohesion aspect of family dynamics, as well as between substance use recovery and social support. However, no correlation significant correlation was found between substance use recovery and the family adaptability aspect of family dynamics. The significant correlation observed between Substance Use Recovery and family cohesion indicates that strong family support and unity positively influence an individual’s ability to overcome substance use and addiction. Similarly, the association between Substance Use Recovery and Social Support emphasizes the role of social networks in helping individuals overcome their addiction. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of how family dynamics and social support have an impact on the recovery process of individuals dealing with substance use.

Determinants of Family Support Among People Living With HIV Seeking Care in a Tertiary Hospital in Lagos State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Family support, as an aspect of social life, is crucial for individuals, including people living with HIV (PLWH). This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of family support among PLWH in Nigeria and tested the consequences of HIV disclosure. It adopted a cross-sectional study design, using systematic random sampling to select 404 PLWH. Most respondents were female (mean age: 42.65 [12.74] years). Strong family support was prevalent at 67.6%. Family support was positively correlated with disclosure of HIV status and social quality of life, while negatively correlated with adherence and independent quality of life. Our findings support the consequences theory of HIV disclosure. It implies that family members of PLWH must provide more support to improve their quality of life.

Gender difference on the mediation effects of filial piety on the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and depressive symptoms in older adults: A community-based study.

Filial piety is viewed as strong family support for older Chinese people, and strongly associated with depressive symptoms. It is unknown if there exists gender difference in the mediation effects of filial piety on the relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (manifested as lung function) and depression. We investigated whether filial piety mediates the association between lung function and depression in community-dwelling older men and women using the Healthy Aging Longitudinal Study in Taiwan (HALST). Community dwelling adults aged 65 and above were analyzed. Pulmonary function, depressive symptoms, and filial piety expectation (FPE) and receipt of filial piety (RFP) were collected. The interaction and mediation of filial piety between lung function and depression was analyzed. We found that in older men, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was inversely correlated with depression (β = -0.1281, p = 0.004) with no mediation effect of FPE. In older women, FEV1 was negatively associated with FPE, but FPE did not increase the risk of depression (β = 0.0605, p = 0.12). In both older men and women, FEV1 was negatively associated with RFP, while RFP reduced the risk of depression (p< 0.001). In older women, the correlation between FEV1 was complete mediation of RFP. Results indicate that feelings of insufficient filial piety may increase the likelihood of depression, especially in elderly women with worse lung function. Although modest, the main mediation effect of filial piety was improvement of lung function in older subjects, which might decrease depression.

Are Family Support Correlated to Covid-19 Vaccination Acceptance in the Coastal Area of Indonesian?

Vaccination against COVID-19 is a global government program with the goals of reducing the spread of the virus, lowering the number of cases of COVID-19-related illnesses and deaths, and ultimately protecting communities from the disease so that they can continue to thrive socially and economically. A person's level of support from their family is one of the numerous aspects that affects their willingness to get a vaccine. In the island region of Indonesia, this study set out to examine the relationship between family support and the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. The study in question is a correlational one. From February to July of 2022, researchers scoured Sangihe and Talaud Islands. Three hundred and fifty-nine adults (aged 18 and up) participated in the study. Support from family members and willingness to get a vaccine were the factors examined in this research. Specifically, a questionnaire is utilized. The chi-square test was used for bivariate data analysis. Respondents with strong family support are more likely to have accepted the COVID-19 vaccine in its entirety (88.7%), while those with weaker family support are more likely to have received the vaccine in its entirety (79.4%). A significant correlation between family support and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine was found, according to the results of the chi-squared test, with a significance level of 0.025 (&lt; 0.05). It follows that having the support of one's family is a correlating factor to the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine

Voices of the Linguistically Curious: English Majors' Language Learning Journey

This inquiry applied the principles of phenomenology to capture the English majors’ lived experiences in English language learning. Six BSED English students (English majors) enrolled during the school year 2020-2021 were selected as the study’s participants. An in-depth and semi-structured interview with open-ended questions was then conducted to collect data. Due to the pandemic restrictions, the interviews were performed via Zoom Meetings instead of face-to-face. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. For data analysis, Colaizzi’s method was utilized wherein significant statements (SS) were extracted from the transcriptions, and formulated meanings (FMs) were created based on the SS. The SS and FMs were then used to identify one emergent theme “Eclectic Influences to Entry,” which consists of the following six subthemes: 1) Positive Family Clout; 2) Noteworthy Childhood Exposure; 3) Meritorious Church Involvement; 4) Favorable Encounters with Learning Materials; 5) Interesting Personal Reasons; and 6) Cogent Teacher Forces. The findings of the study revealed that the English majors had intrinsic motivation to learn the English language and held a positive attitude towards the language, the speakers of the language, and the learning process itself. Moreover, factors such as family involvement, teacher support, technology and media, and exposure to native speakers played a significant role in the English majors’ passion for learning. The study concluded that strong family support, reading books, watching online videos and television, and using English in daily conversations had a positive impact on the English majors' competency in the language.

Developmental Challenges Faced by Adolescent Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Chimanimani District in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe

Background: African communities established strong family support systems because they considered children as the future of their civilizations and an essential component of humankind. The family structure in Zimbabwe has changed as a result of the severe effects of pandemic diseases and the country’s economic collapse from 2009 to 2022. In Zimbabwe, children were often expected to be cared for by adults and community members closest to their immediate family. The inquiry is based on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory. Aims: The study investigated the psychosocial consequences of poverty on rural Zimbabwean learners from child-headed households who are lagging behind in their learning. The study also target to generate recommendations based on the research findings. Sample: Through purposive sampling, a sample of 32 research participants comprising 16 learners, eight teachers, four school administrators and four members of the School Development Committees was selected. The sample members were in one way or the other connected to the issues regarding the challenges experienced by secondary school learners from child-headed families. Methods: The study was qualitative in nature. The phenomenological research design, which was couched in an interpretive research paradigm, was employed. Data was collected using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Results: It emerged from the study that learners from child-headed homes found it exceedingly difficult to support their daily needs. Children in such homes lack a sense of childhood security and are subjected to emotional, social, and psychological stress. The majority of learners’ obligations are handled at home, putting them vulnerable to social isolation, poverty, and the formation of an atmosphere that does not support academic brilliance. Conclusion: In light of the research findings, it was concluded that communities, instructors, and peers be mindful of treating learners from child-headed households with dignity because they are human beings and resources for the nation. They should avoid cultural perspectives that increase marginalization and segregation of these learners.

Effects of Poverty on the Educational Attainment of Adolescent Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Chimanimani District, Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of poverty on the educational attainment of adolescent orphans and vulnerable children in Chimanimani District, Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe. The contention of the study is that African communities establish strong family support systems because they consider children as the future of their survival. In Zimbabwe, children are often expected to be cared for by their immediate family members and community members close to their immediate family. In this study, qualitative research approaches were employed to explored effects of poverty on learners from households with children as primary caregivers. Using qualitative study approach, the study purposively sampled learners, teachers and parents from Chimanimani District. A qualitative phenomenological methodology was used to conduct interviews, focus group interviews, and document analysis. The study used Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory lenses to understand the phenomena understudy. It was discovered that learners from parentless homes lack a sense of childhood security and are subjected to emotional, social, and psychological stress. The study recommends that communities, instructors, and peers treat learners from child-headed households with dignity and avoid marginalization and segregation of these learners.