Background: Multiple losses experienced by children is a topic on which little research has previously been completed. Therefore, a specific definition of multiple losses is unavailable. Multiple losses are traumatic for children and result in the need for intervention and support with respect to grief, loss and bereavement issues. The main goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of multiple losses children who had experienced this from birth to 18 years of age in the National District Hospital in Bloemfontein.

Method: A literature search was carried out to define the concept of multiple losses experienced by children appropriate to the South African context. Thereafter, a descriptive study with an analytical component was used to gather information on multiple losses. Structured interviews with the parents or caretakers of the children at the National District Hospital were conducted by the researchers by means of a questionnaire. The interviews were conducted in English or Afrikaans.

Results: A total of 62 interviews were performed with the parents or caregivers. Multiple losses, defined here as the loss of three or more personal, interpersonal or environmental assets, were experienced by 69% of these children (95% confidence interval: 57–79%). The majority of losses experienced occurred in the interpersonal (87%) and environmental (82%) categories. The death of a family member took place in 61% of cases. Unemployment of a parent, with its consequences, was reported in 63% of cases.

Conclusion: The criteria used to define multiple losses in this study were adequate and appropriate for this study population. The prevalence of multiple losses in children in the National District Hospital in Bloemfontein was 69.4%. This figure warrants the need for support and bereavement counselling for children to prevent long-term problems with relationships and adaptation within society.