THE IMPACT OF STIGMA ON THE WELLBEING OF CHILDREN IN KADUNA ORPHANAGES
Authors:   MBBS, Oni Memorial Children Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, Soyobi Victoria Yewande ,   Riverside Nursing Home, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, Obohwemu Kennedy Oberhiri ,   PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom; PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom, Suberu Peter Omeiza ,   MPH, Cardiorespiratory Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom, Idomeh Joyce Eberechukwu ,   PhD, Department of Social Works (DSW), College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park Campus, Sturt Road, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Yakpir Gordon Mabengban ,   PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, Oluwatoyin Bewaji Aderinsola ,   PhD Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Manchester, United Kingdom, Omoregie Jesse ,   PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom, Owusuaa Maame Ama ,   PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, Ndioho Ibiangake Friday ,   PhD, Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom, Amanze Reginald Ugochukwu ,   PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom
Published: November 2024

Background: Orphans in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, face increasing challenges due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, terrorism, and natural disasters, leading to a growing orphan population. In addition to the material hardships experienced by orphans, stigmatization remains a profound issue, exacerbating their medical, social, and psychological well-being. Stigma affects children’s self-esteem, mental health, social relationships, and access to opportunities, making it a critical area of concern for orphaned children in institutional care. This study investigates the impact of stigma on the well-being of children in orphanages in Kaduna, Nigeria, focusing on medical, social, and psychosocial aspects of their lives. Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 100 children living in orphanages across Kaduna. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires designed to capture socio-demographic data, medical conditions, behavioural patterns, stigma levels, and psychosocial status. The study also explored how these children cope with the stigma associated with being orphans. Results: The findings revealed a significant presence of stigma among the orphan population, with 9% of children reporting being stigmatized by peers. Although 83.3% of respondents indicated positive peer relationships, bullying affected 11.4% of the children. Medical issues were prevalent, with 53.7% of the children underweight and 46.7% not fully immunized. Behavioural disorders such as hyperactivity (27%) and enuresis (22.3%) were also common. Despite these challenges, 89.2% reported good self-esteem, although many employed maladaptive coping mechanisms, with 46.8% adjusting their goals to cope with their circumstances. Conclusion: The study highlights the pervasive impact of stigma on the well-being of orphans in Kaduna, contributing to psychological distress and health challenges. Addressing the stigma and its effects requires comprehensive intervention strategies that integrate medical, psychosocial, and educational support.