Institutional and social dynamics of providing care and support to 15-19 year old adolescents living with HIV and AIDS in Botswana

Institutional and social dynamics of providing care and support to 15-19 year old adolescents living with HIV and AIDS in Botswana

The majority of HIV positive adolescents aged 15-19 years in Botswana, got infected through vertical transmission. In 2013, the HIV prevalence among 15-19 year olds was 5% when compared to 3.7% in 2008. The national HIV prevalence was 18.5% in 2013 (females; 19.2% and males 14.1%). There was a sligh...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Vulnerable children and youth studies Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 339 - 356
Main Authors: Kubanji, R, Phaladze, N.A, Rapinyana, O, Seloilwe, E.S, Ngwenya, B.N, Nthomang, K, Seboni, N
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 02-10-2018
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects:
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Adolescents
AIDS
ALWHA
Caregivers
effective interventions
Females
health care providers
Health services
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus
Medical personnel
Parents & parenting
psychosocial needs
Social dynamics
Social networks
Social support
Social systems
Support services
support systems
Teenagers
Botswana
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Summary:The majority of HIV positive adolescents aged 15-19 years in Botswana, got infected through vertical transmission. In 2013, the HIV prevalence among 15-19 year olds was 5% when compared to 3.7% in 2008. The national HIV prevalence was 18.5% in 2013 (females; 19.2% and males 14.1%). There was a slight increase from 2008 which was 17.6% (20.4% for females and 14.2% for males). In 2013, 4833 teenagers aged 15-19 years old were enrolled in the government ARV programme (56% female and 44% males). Adolescents living with HIV and AIDS (ALWHA) and their parents and guardians face numerous challenges that require systematic investigation. The overall objective of this paper is to assess different types of care and support for 15-19 year old ALWHA provided by health care providers (HCPs), parents and guardians. The study utilized a qualitative exploratory design. In-depth interviews were conducted among 25 HCPs and 8 parents or guardians; and focus group discussions were conducted with 26 ALWHA (10 males and 16 females) from Mochudi and Gaborone. Thematic content analysis was employed in data analysis. The main challenges reported by adolescents, HCPs, parents and guardians included those relating to institutional, family, school and community care and support. These challenges undermine provision of available care and support services provided by parents and guardians and HCPs. The findings of the study will inform the design of an effective social network and support systems for ALWHA and their parents/guardians.
ISSN:1745-0128
1745-0136
DOI:10.1080/17450128.2018.1515516