Abstract #364  -  RiskfFactors amongst adolescents living with HIV and AIDS
Authors:   Presenting Author:   E Seloilwe -
Additional Authors:  Mr/s N Phalade, Mr/s N Seboni,
Aim: Background: HIV and AIDS risk factors among adolescents aged 15-19 years are of great concern in the fight against this deadly pandemic. It has been about two decades since the HIV and AIDS pandemic has severely ravaged the people of Botswana and children who have been born of mothers who are HIV positive have now reached the adolescent stage. As part of a large of on-going study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health on Adolescent HIV/STD Prevention, a section of this study investigated the risk factors of adolescents living with HIV and AIDS. Aim: The main aim of this study was to: (i) investigate or explore how adolescents living with HIV protect themselves and others with regard to the spread of HIV and re-infections, and (ii) explore factors which motivate adolescents to engage in risky behaviors. The measures that they use, which could provide best practices, and that can be adopted and be utilized by other adolescents nationwide were explored. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were utilized explore and to have a deep understanding into these intricate issues. Conceptual Framework: The theory of Reasoned Action and Planned Behavior was used to guide and inform the study to explore ALWHA salient beliefs and intentions to medication adherence.
Method / Issue: A qualitative research design which utilizes focus groups and in-depth interviews and elicitation survey was conducted among sixteen (26) adolescents living with HIV and AIDS. This was followed by three focus group discussions comprising (an all male group, an all female group and a mixed group). In-depth interviews were conducted with twenty-five (n=25) health care providers males 10, females 15 and eight (8) parents/guardians 1 male and 7 females of ALWHA.
Results / Comments: The findings indicate that although ALWHA knowledgeable about HIV and AIDS; they still engage in unprotected sex, have multiple partners, engage in intergenerational sex. The findings further indicate that ALWHA skip and/or miss doses which lead to poor medication adherence.
Discussion: It is envisaged that findings will be useful not only for understanding the adolescents’ behaviours but will assist in the development of appropriate and relevant intervention programs for this population. The findings will also assist in addressing and developing relevant policy issues in the provision of services for this age group, as well as make .
Go Back