Preventing Abuse of Children in the Context of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa

Objetivo

To date, 12 million children have been orphaned by AIDS, and 70 million more live with AIDS-affected caregivers within sub-Saharan Africa. Our programme of research has demonstrated heightened levels of physical, sexual and emotional abuse amongst children in AIDS-affected families. Despite increasing calls for intervention studies addressing child abuse in the developing world (UN 2008; WHO 2010) no interventions or research have yet targeted this high-risk group of AIDS-affected children. This project will develop and test, using a randomised controlled trial design, an evidence-based intervention to prevent and reduce child abuse within AIDS-affected families in South Africa.

The study takes an innovative approach, incorporating a tripartite collaborative process between scientists, policy-makers, and civil society, thus maximising cultural applicability and sustainability. The randomised controlled trial includes 1600 adult and child participants, with wait-list controls and 1-year post-test evaluation in a real-world setting. The research has the key aims of 1) Testing theoretical frameworks of causation and prevention of child abuse in the developing world; 2) Testing the efficacy of an intervention for reducing child abuse; (3) Examining potential intervention moderators and mediators; (4) Testing the feasibility of the intervention when implemented by community volunteers at a low cost; (5) Disseminating results within sub-Saharan Africa to inform policy and programming.

This study capitalises on the PI’s position as a scientific advisor to Southern African governments and international NGOs, on the expertise of a senior advisory group of academics and policy-makers, and on an established research team. This research is of immediate necessity in promoting child development within the world pandemic of HIV/AIDS. It also goes beyond the state of the art in innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to the active engagement of science with civil society.

Ámbito científico

Régimen de financiación

ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant

Institución de acogida

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

Aportación de la UE

€ 1 460 373,00

Dirección

WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES
OX1 2JD Oxford
Reino Unido

Región

South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire

Tipo de actividad

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

Contacto administrativo

Gill Wells (Ms.)

Investigador principal

Lucie Dale Cluver (Dr.)

Enlaces

Contactar con la organización Sitio web

Coste total

Sin datos

Beneficiarios (1)