Articles | Open Access | DOI: https://doi.org/10.37547/tajiir/Volume06Issue10-05

BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS OF CHILDREN IN KADUNA STATE ORPHANAGES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Victoria Yewande Soyobi , MBBS, Oni Memorial Children Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria ;Riverside Nursing Home, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu , PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom; PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Peter Omeiza Suberu , MPH, Cardiorespiratory Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
Jesse Omoregie , PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Gabriel Abayomi , PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Oluwatoyin Bewaji , PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Temitayo Oluwakemi Fynecontry , MSPH, Flexible Support Options, Newcastle, United Kingdom

Abstract

Background

The plight of orphans, exacerbated by conflict, disease, and socioeconomic factors, remains a pressing global issue, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria, notably impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, terrorism, and natural disasters, has witnessed a substantial increase in orphan populations. These children face severe challenges, including child abuse, malnutrition, limited access to education, stigmatization, and a range of psychological and behavioural disorders. Despite some interventions, orphanages primarily address material needs, often neglecting comprehensive medical, social, and psychosocial support. This study explores the behavioural patterns of orphans in Kaduna, Nigeria, and examines how their medical and social challenges compare across various orphanages.

Methodology
A cross-sectional, comparative analysis was conducted among 100 orphans from selected orphanages in Kaduna. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing socio-demographics, medical conditions, behavioural patterns, stigma, psychosocial status, and coping strategies.

Results
The mean age of respondents was 10 years, with 68% being male. Nutritional issues were prevalent, with 53.7% classified as underweight despite 54.9% reportedly consuming balanced diets. Medical concerns were significant, with 33.7% showing clinical signs of illness and 46.7% not fully immunized. Behavioural issues were prominent, including hyperactivity symptoms (27.0%), enuresis (22.3%), and depressive symptoms (1.8%). Socially, most respondents (83.3%) reported positive peer relationships, though bullying (11.4%) and stigmatization (9%) were also observed. Educational access was generally high, with only 2.2% not attending school. However, social support systems varied, with 35.2% reporting strong support and 46.8% adapting their goals as a coping mechanism.

Conclusion
The findings highlight the complex medical and behavioural challenges faced by orphans in Kaduna's orphanages, underscoring the need for integrated interventions that provide medical, psychosocial, and educational support. A holistic approach is crucial to improving their overall well-being and future prospects.

ZENODO DOI:- https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13955072

Keywords

Behavioural patterns, orphans, Kaduna, Nigeria

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Victoria Yewande Soyobi, Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu, Peter Omeiza Suberu, Jesse Omoregie, Gabriel Abayomi, Oluwatoyin Bewaji, & Temitayo Oluwakemi Fynecontry. (2024). BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS OF CHILDREN IN KADUNA STATE ORPHANAGES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS. The American Journal of Interdisciplinary Innovations and Research, 6(10), 36–54. https://doi.org/10.37547/tajiir/Volume06Issue10-05