The Influence of Caregiver Types on Behavioral Outcomes of Children Left Behind due to Parental Migration in Selected Woredas of South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of caregivers on the behavior outcomes of children left behind because of the migration of parents in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 720 left-behind children (LBC) who are cared by different caregivers and children living with both parents were selected from two Woredas in South Wollo using a stratified sampling method. Behavioral outcomes of children were assessed by using the strength and difficulty questionnaire (SDQ). Both descriptive and inferential analysis techniques were used in the study. The findings demonstrated that a significant mean difference was found between Left behind children (LBC) due to the migration of parents and children living with both parents t(718)=24.64, p <0.01. A significant mean difference was observed among the children left behind and cared for by different caregivers of children whose either one or both of their parents migrated abroad F(5,354)=21.64, P<.01. A significant mean difference was shown in both internalizing and externalizing problems as measured by the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ) among children cared for by caregiver types. The score of behavioral outcomes of children cared for by mothers and grandparents showed significantly lower than the other groups of caregivers providing care for LBC. To conclude influence of caregiver types on behavioral outcomes difference in children left behind was observed in the study. Thus recommendation focuses on ensuring the best interest of the child by families, government, and non-government organizations that have a stake in children affected by migration.