Work

Not everyone can afford an apple a day: stigma and food insecurity in rural South African young adults

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: The HIV epidemic in South Africa has created a generation of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs). Little is known about the experiences of these "former" OVCs once they pass their 18th birthday. We conducted a qualitative study to understand the experiences of food insecurity for rural South African young adults. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with 11 men and 9 women aged 18-25, and 2 focus group discussions. Many ate a single meal a day provided by the school feeding scheme or by friends. Despite this, nearly all participants emphasised the emotional and social, rather than the physical, tolls of food insecurity. These experiences of social shame predominantly stem from instrumental stigma - the perception within the broader community that because these former OVCs lived in relative poverty they would not be able to contribute to the web of community ties which function as a social safety net. Interventions designed to support former OVCs must focus on building social capital and supporting emotional resiliency in addition to providing material support.

Source: African Journal of AIDS Research

DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2015.1123162

Authors: Rebecca Fielding-Miller, Kristin L Dunkle, Daniel Murdock

Institutions: University of California San Diego, South African Medical Research Council, Emory University

Language: English

Topic: Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, No poverty, Zero hunger, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: Emory University, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse