Association between orphanhood, mental distress and suicide risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults in Zimbabwe
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21625016 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Edson Chipalo (0000-0002-4336-8329, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue | 37 |
| Pages | 29409-29418 |
| Publication date | 2024-10-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Current Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1046-1310 • E-ISSN: 1936-4733 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s12144-024-06385-8 |
| OpenAlex | W4402070619 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 8 |
| References cited | 46 |
An estimated 761,000 children have been orphaned primarily due to HIV/AIDs in Zimbabwe. Being an orphan is one of the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that can lead to poor mental health outcomes, including higher levels of mental distress and suicide risk behaviors for vulnerable adolescents and young adults. This study examines the prevalence of orphanhood and its association with mental distress and suicide risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults in Zimbabwe. Data for this study was derived from the Zimbabwe Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (ZVACS). The sample size included 8,715 participants aged 13 to 18 years old. The prevalence of orphanhood was determined using chi-square tests. Four logistic regression models were employed to examine significant association between orphanhood and two outcomes (i.e., mental distress as measured by the Kesler 6 and lifetime suicide risk behaviors). The results showed that the prevalence of being an orphan was higher for adolescents and young adults with primary education or lower (48.4%), experienced moderate/severe mental distress in the past 30 days (45.3%), reported lifetime suicide thoughts/attempted suicide/self-harm (45%), were females (38.5%), and aged 18-24 years old (44.6%), respectively. Additionally, regression results showed that being an orphan was associated with higher odds of reporting moderate/severe mental distress in the past 30 days, and lifetime suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide or self-harming behaviors among adolescents and young adults. This study underscores the need to prioritize mental health interventions, including screenings for mental distress and suicide risk behaviors, as well as providing robust social support to orphans and their families with limited resources. Further research is needed to understand protective and risk factors associated with longitudinal effects of mental distress and suicidal tendencies for vulnerable orphans in Zimbabwe
Developmental psychology · Distress · Mental distress · Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychological distress · Psychotherapist · Clinical Psychology · Family Support in Illness · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Psychology
Childhood Maltreatment and Psychological Distress Among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV in Zimbabwe
Association between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Child Homelessness in the United States
Strategies for success
Resilience and Its Determinants Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Perinatally Acquired HIV Enrolled in a Peer-Led Mentorship Program in India
Adverse childhood experiences and suicidality in low-income and middle-income countries
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Adverse Childhood Experiences and Economic Hardship
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Psychological well‐being of orphans in Dar El Salaam, Tanzania
The prevalence of mental health problems in sub-Saharan adolescents
Validity study of the K6 scale as a measure of moderate mental distress based on mental health treatment need and utilization
Short screening scales to monitor population prevalences and trends in non-specific psychological distress
Orphans' household circumstances and access to education in a maturing HIV epidemic in eastern Zimbabwe
The Prevalence and Association of Adverse Childhood Experiences with Suicide Risk Behaviors among Adolescents and Youth in Zimbabwe
Perceptions of children and community members concerning the circumstances of orphans in rural Zimbabwe
Suicide and Youth
Correlates of Suicide Ideation and Attempt among Youth Living in the Slums of Kampala
Suicidal Ideation among Youth Living in the Slums of Kampala, Uganda
Life Course Pathways From Adverse Childhood Experiences to Adult Physical Health
Psychological distress among orphaned youth and youth reporting sexual exploitation in Kampala, Uganda
HIV-Associated Orphanhood and Children’s Psychosocial Distress
Psychological distress among Aids orphans in rural Uganda
| Citations per year | 8 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |