Abstract #369  -  Perspectives on Challenges in providing care and support to adolescents living with HIV and AIDS (ALWHA) in Botswana
Authors:   Presenting Author:   R Kubanji -
Additional Authors:  Mr/s B Ngwenya, Mr/s K Nthomang, Mr/s N Seboni, Mr/s N Phaladze,
Aim: In recent years, ALWHA have become the focus of much research and policy attention. As the population of children diagnosed with HIV in Botswana increases and more HIV positive children receive ARV therapies and live longer and healthier lives, greater attention must be given to the social and behavioral challenges they face. The prevalence of HIV among those aged 15-19 years was estimated at 6.6% in 2004. The majority of the children in this age group got infected through vertical transmission. Currently, it is estimated that approximately 1, 400 teenagers are enrolled on the government ARV program. Parents, guardians and health care providers play an important role in the day to day care and support of adolescents living with HIV and AIDS (ALWHA). Establishing supportive environments is therefore seen as one key aspect of addressing the challenges faced by ALWHA and those who provide care and support for them. Aim:The study investigated or examined the challenges faced by the parents/guardians in providing care and support to ALWHA.
Method / Issue: This was a qualitative study which involved 25 in-depth interviews with Health Care Provider; one-to-one interviews with 8 parents and guardiansI in Mochudi and Gaborone. Data analysis involved systematic encoding of interview scripts for both in-depth and focus group discussions into descriptive categories, 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 indicate a number of challenges experienced by both health care providers and parents and guardians in providingcare and support to ALWA such as distance, transport costs and time conflicts. The results further indicate that at instutional levels (health care facilities) ALWHA receive adequate care in terms of easy access to services such as counseling which includes bereavement, follow-ups visits and education on HIV and AIDS. teen club also emerged as a very strong support system for ALWHA.
Discussion: The findings of the will inform the design of an effective social network and support systems for ALWHA and their parents/guardians.the study also has implications for outreach programs targeting HIV prevention.
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