Adapting a Social Network Model for Social Reintegration of Vulnerable Children due to HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia

Background. Millions of Ethiopian children remain victims of, and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. In 2007, there were 898,000 orphans because of AIDS. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) suffer psychological, economic and social risks to health. It is crucial to develop theoretical models aimed at increasing access to and availability of compassionate, effective, and culturally appropriate services for OVC and their families. This study presents the methodology used for developing the foundations of a multi-level social network model for the social reintegration of Ethiopian OVC.

Methods. First, a literature review related to social networks, OVC and HIV/AIDS was performed. Second, our model was adapted using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Social-Ecological Model: A Framework for Prevention. The adapted model includes four interconnected levels: the individual level includes personal psychosocial characteristics. The relationship level embraces the relationship between people and their social environments. The community level includes community resources. The societal level includes cultural and national factors as well as policies. Third, the O'Donnell et al. Child Status Index (2008) guided the selection of sub-components and measurements for each level.

Results. A comprehensive multilevel theoretical model on social networks to support programs to reintegrate vulnerable children in Ethiopia was developed.

Conclusions.This model could help understand the association between OVC's educational and work success with characteristics of the child, the society, and the attributes of the broader environment. A cross-sectional study will refine the adapted model and an assessment of the reliability or the predictive validity will be performed.