Exploring the effect of kin caregivers' family functioning on child survival in South Africa: An application of the Family Systems Theory

The survival of children who are raised in kinship care is largely influenced by the way their primary caregivers manage their family dynamics. Although research has focused on the effects of family structure and other extended kin effects on various child health outcomes, it remains largely unknown how kin caregivers' family functioning influences child survival, particularly in the South African context where the practice of kinship care is widely spread. An inductive thematic approach was employed, and data were collected from 24 kin caregivers who were providing care to under-five children. Analysis of the data resulted in the development of three superordinate themes, namely, (1) relationship with family members, (2) poor relationships and (3) family attachment and communication. Each superordinate theme was linked to subthemes that helped explain the phenomenon under study. Overall, the kin caregivers' family environments serve as both protective barriers and risk factors for child survival depending on the state of familial relationships, collaboration and involvement of other kin within the households of primary kin caregivers. This translates into the survival of children being greatly determined by the family environment in which they live and the quality of care that they receive in that family environment.

Automated summary

The way kin caregivers manage their family dynamics greatly influences the survival of children in kinship care, especially in South Africa where this practice is widespread. Research has focused on the effects of family structure and other extended kin effects on child health outcomes, but the influence of kin caregivers' family functioning on child survival remains largely unknown. An analysis of data collected from 24 kin caregivers revealed three superordinate themes that explain the phenomenon under study.