Main Article Content
Need and Reintegration of Infant Orphans into their Biological Extended Family
Abstract
This study set out to generate data that will facilitate the construction of future methods and strategies of caring for motherless infants. Data was collected using Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and questionnaire. A total of 500 respondents who participated in the survey were randomly selected from groups of child rearing adult males and females between ages 18-91 in Ayeye and Agbeni communities Ibadan.
Findings from the survey showed that 44.6% of respondents admitted knowing motherless infants closely. The existence of the belief that motherless infants are evil and killed their mother was revealed. Out of the two hundred and twenty three infants known to respondents one hundred and fifty four i.e. 69.7% were cared for by elderly women such as grandmothers, elderly aunties and other wives. Out of the five hundred respondents, one hundred and four i.e. 20% favoured caring for the motherless infants in extended family unit. Such willing response to being potential substitute mothers is an indicator to possible establishment of family centred motherless-babies care.
African Journal for the Psychological Study of Social Issues Vol.7(2) 2004: 264-279
Findings from the survey showed that 44.6% of respondents admitted knowing motherless infants closely. The existence of the belief that motherless infants are evil and killed their mother was revealed. Out of the two hundred and twenty three infants known to respondents one hundred and fifty four i.e. 69.7% were cared for by elderly women such as grandmothers, elderly aunties and other wives. Out of the five hundred respondents, one hundred and four i.e. 20% favoured caring for the motherless infants in extended family unit. Such willing response to being potential substitute mothers is an indicator to possible establishment of family centred motherless-babies care.
African Journal for the Psychological Study of Social Issues Vol.7(2) 2004: 264-279
