Abstract #147  -  Perspectives and Challenges of Providing Care/Support to Adolescents living with HIV and AIDS in Botswana
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Mrs Rebecca Kubanji - University of Botswana
Additional Authors:  Dr Barbara Ngwenya,
Aim: The main objective of this paper is to explore perspectives and challenges of providing care and support by parents/guardians, peers, health and social service professionals to adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years living with HIV and AIDS in Botswana.
Method / Issue: In-depth interviews with twenty-five (25) health care providers and eight (8) parents /guardians of ALWHA were held. Fifteen (15) ALWHA participated in two focus group discussions (10 girls formed one group and 5 boys the other). Data analysis involved systematic encoding of interview scripts into descriptive categories, and identification/extraction of patterns. To reduce data bias and ensure data reliability and validity, the literature review and in-depth interview data provided baseline data for the synthesis.
Results / Comments: The results suggest that health and social service providers expect parents and guardians to provide both instrumental support (provision of the child’s basic needs, company to a health facility especially at the beginning phase of ARV treatment, supervision of medication adherence, refills, checkup appointments) and non-instrumental support (unconditional love, honest and open communication, emphasis on prevention of re-infections and disclosure). Some parents reported a ‘no drama’ scenario, typified by teen adherence to medication, active participation in organized activities (the teen club, ball sports) and connectedness with siblings/ extended family members. Other parents reported the ‘more drama’ type of teen characterized by refusal to take medication, sexually active, dropping out of school and alcohol abuse. The teenagers viewed participation in the teen club very supportive as it created opportunity for peer counseling and receiving of motivational talks. Teens reiterated that provision of health care services, unlike the school environment were user friendly and none stigmatizing. Common challenges raised by all participants included constrained access to health and social services( distance and lack of transport money), poor adherence to medication, medication/school time conflicts, disclosure and stigma, long queues, increased appetite, engaging in risky practices.
Discussion: Although the health care services seem to render the basic day to day clinical and psychological support, there is still need for links with nongovernmental organizations serving HIV positive teens in Botswana. The ALWHA seem to have built a strong support network through the teen club, but its capacity needs strengthening for it to provide support to a large segment of HIV positive teens.
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