Magnitudes and trends in orphanhood among younger persons in the era of HIV/AIDS in South Africa, 2001-2015
population health
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Issue: 2
(12 - 2011)
Information on the magnitude of orphanhood is important from various perspec-
tives. Though not designed for that purpose, orphanhood questions have been
used by some studies to infer the magnitude of orphans due to AIDS among
younger persons. This study provides an historical overview of the orphanhood
questions and estimates the magnitude of orphans in the era of HIV/AIDS in
South Africa using an epidemiologic and demographic model. The results suggest
that the number of orphans in South Africa may increase to about |.9 million by
2015 if current trends continue. These figures are lower than estimated by some
previous studies.
Key Words: HIV/AIDS, orphanhood, maternal, paternal, African,
Coloured, Indian, White, South Africa, population groups.
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