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An estimated 2 million children are parentally bereaved by AIDS in South Africa. Little is known about mental health outcomes for this group.

This study aimed to investigate mental health outcomes for urban children living in deprived settlements in Cape Town. 30 orphaned children and 30 matched controls were compared using standardised questionnaires (SDQ) on emotional and behavioural problems, peer and attention difficulties, and prosocial behaviour. The orphan group completed a modified version of a standardised questionnaire (IES-8), measuring Post-Traumatic Stress symptoms. Group differences were tested using t-tests and Pearson's chi-square.

Both groups scored highly for peer problems, emotional problems and total scores. However, orphans were more likely to view …