Abstract : Data were collected in six communities in Ondo State, Nigeria, between April 1993 and February 1994 which yielded a total sample of 1538 Yoruba households to assess fostering and household responses to various childhood illnesses. Married women aged 15-49 with at least one surviving child under 15 years of age were interviewed, and in addition seven focus group discussions were held. A total of 4228 children were listed in these households out of whom 341 (8%) were fostered children. A total of 2279 children were reported ill, 168 of them were fostered children. There was a difference in general body pains (51 instances) between fostered children (6%) and nonfostered children (2%), as well as in skin-related illnesses (5% vs. 3%, respectively; n = 81), probably attributable to the fact that fostered children are expected to do heavy household work. Causes of malaria were thought to be hard labor or exposure to sun for 25% of fostered vs. 17% of nonfostered children; environmental, for 4% vs. 2%; and evil spirits, for 43% vs. 32%. The mother noticed the child's illness in 42% of fostered children vs. 89% of own children. 29% of fostered children complained before their illness was noticed vs. 4% of own children (p < 0.001). The mean duration of interval between awareness of illness and seeking treatment was 2 days for all child illnesses: 2 days for own children and 3.9 days for fostered children (p < 0.001). These facts indicate that despite the assistance foster children receive from their foster parents, they face a higher risk of malnutrition, morbidity, and subsequently mortality than other children in the household as a result of the different care and treatment they receive. Some case studies of differential treatment are also presented which indicate the lesser sensitivity of foster parents to these children. Attitudinal changes also seem to have started which could halt fostering, causing a significant impact on the household budget of poor families and possibly fertility.
Notes : English