Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Separation of a parent from the family as a result of incarceration has both short-term and long-term effects on the family, even after release from prison. This study is a report of factors and challenges of the family left to adapt to the changed circumstances of separation from parent(s) who are incarcerated. Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out on 89 caregivers of children whose parents are incarcerated at the Agodi prison, Ibadan who gave informed and written consent to interview their families. Results: Most caregivers had little or no formal education (69.7%) and 67.4% are into petty trading or subsistence farming. A majority of the caregivers reported the need of schooling (85.4%), provision of food (84.3%) and medical care (71.9%) as major challenges, only 25% received any form of support to meet these needs. Twenty-nine (32.6%) respondents reported receiving financial support to provide for the child's feeding. Some caregivers 21 (23.6%), obtained loans to cope with the financial needs of the children while only 3 (3.4%) received support from family or other non-governmental organisations. Conclusion: The caregivers of children of prison inmates face significant challenges in meeting the needs of feeding, health and schooling. Support structures and policies to address these gaps are required.
Source: Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics
DOI: 10.4314/njp.v49i3.2
Authors: B.O. Ogunbosi, A.A. Adepoju, A.E. Orimadegun, G.N. Odaibo, O.D. Olaleye, O.O. Akinyinka
Institution: University of Ibadan
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Fogarty International Center
OpenAlex ID: W4308004596