Factors leading to the establishment of child-headed households: the case of Zimbabwe

This study presents findings from interviews with 27 child- and 16 adolescent-headed households in Manicaland Zimbabwe on the factors associated with the formation of these households. In these 43 households there were 15 adults aged over 24 years 23 adolescents aged 18-24 years and 146 children aged under 18 years. The median age of respondents was 16 years. 27 households consisted of children or adolescents caring for younger children. 13 households had adult members of which 7 were grandparents who were very ill or handicapped. One household had a mentally retarded mother. Two households had aunts who were unable to care for the children. Only 1 household was in an urban area. 95% were orphans who had lost a parent. Both parents had died in 30 orphan households. 84% of maternal deaths and 74% of paternal deaths occurred during 1993-96. 25 households had female heads and 18 had male heads. 25 female heads were older sisters. 14 male heads were older brothers. Heads were as young as 9-11 years old. 75% of households were established during 1995-96. Most households were established in the same year as the parents death. 21 children or adolescents became heads during or following the death of a parent. One child assumed the headship after a mother deserted. In 14 households children or adolescents became heads after the death of grandparents aunts or unrelated household heads. The young age of heads is reported as being due to a lack of known relatives to care for the family relatives disinterest in caring for orphans and a lack of means to care for the children. 17 children left 13 households during the study to live with other relatives. 16 households received regular visits from relatives. 14 households received material support from relatives. 10 households with known relatives did not receive any support. The households reflect new coping approaches to AIDS.