A qualitative study of the stigmatization and coping mechanisms among pregnant teenagers living with HIV in Thailand

HIV-Related Stigma Among Pregnant Adolescents: A Qualitative Study of Patient Perspectives in Southwestern Uganda

Background

The HIV epidemic disproportionately affects adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa, with adolescent girls facing heightened vulnerability. Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy, HIV-related stigma remains prevalent, particularly among pregnant adolescents. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of adolescents living with HIV in southwestern Uganda, seeking to understand the nature of HIV-related stigma in this context.

Methods

One-on-one narrative interviews were conducted with 28 pregnant adolescents living with HIV aged 14-19 receiving care at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. The qualitative approach allowed for in-depth exploration of participants' experiences. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns in the narratives.

Results

Five overarching themes emerged from the analysis: Experiences of double stigma, social and cultural influences shaping stigma, healthcare system challenges, psychosocial impacts of stigma, and resilience and coping mechanisms. Double stigma, arising from societal prejudices related to both HIV status and teenage pregnancy, created a complex environment for participants. Despite these challenges, participants exhibited resilience through external support and internal strength.

Conclusion

This study reveals the pervasive double stigma experienced by pregnant adolescents living with HIV in southwestern Uganda, driven by societal biases against both HIV status and teenage pregnancy. Urgent targeted interventions are needed to address the intersectionality of stigma, cultural influences, healthcare issues, and psychosocial well-being for the betterment of this vulnerable population.

Adaptive Stigma Coping Among Papuans Living with HIV: a Qualitative Study in One of the Indigenous People, Indonesia

INTRODUCTION

The indigenous Papuans of Indonesia's Tanah Papua Island have been a distinct cultural and racial entity from the rest of the country's inhabitants. Furthermore, antiretroviral therapy's inability to reduce mortality and incidence rates in this region has sparked public interest in HIV issues, which has resulted in increased stigma. Papuans were more interested in memorizing the symptoms than using antiretroviral as an effective therapy. This study aimed to analyze the coping level of HIV-infected Papuans to overcome related stigma.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted with data collected through semi-structured interviews in 2018, and 13 Papuans who had experiences with antiretroviral therapy (ART) participated in audio-recorded interviews. The discussions were focused on the ways to deal with stigma after the HIV diagnosis. Furthermore, data were transcribed verbatim using the framework analysis for qualitative study.

RESULTS

According to the study results, Papuans were shown to have effectively used self-distancing, self-blame, and self-stigmatization coping mechanisms, according to the results. The people temporarily utilize ART until their health returns to normal.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that ART has been used to cope with stigma. However, the use was temporary since the misunderstanding regarding use of ART remains high. ART education should be addressed since Papuans are willing to adopt the method provided the benefits are fully comprehended. In addition, the participation of healthcare workers such as pharmacies should be increased since they can explain antiretroviral terms.

Understanding coping strategies of mothers living with HIV who care for children living with HIV: a qualitative study in Indonesia

HIV infection and its sequelae continue to be a significant challenge among women and their families in developing countries despite the progress that has been made in the prevention and treatment of HIV. This paper describes the strategies employed by mothers with HIV to cope with the various challenges experienced following their own and their children's HIV diagnosis. This paper uses previously unpublished data collected for a study that sought to explore the mental health challenges and coping strategies of mothers living with HIV (MLHIV) (n = 23) who have children living with HIV (CLHIV). Data collection was conducted using in-depth interviews, and participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. The concept of meaning-making was used to guide the conceptualisation, analysis, and discussion of the findings. Our analysis showed that meaning-making such as the awareness of how important mothers were to their children/CLHIV and families and religious meaning were used by participants to cope with HIV-related and mental health challenges they faced. The meaning of mother-child relationship which was supported and maintained through the provision of time, attention and fulfillment of CLHIV's needs were also coping strategies employed by these women. Additional coping strategies used were to link their CLHIV to groups and activities of CLHIV. The connections made through these links enabled their children to know other CLHIV, build relationships, and share experiences. These findings are useful evidence that can inform policies and practices and indicate the need for the development of intervention programs that address the needs of MLHIV and their families to cope with HIV-related challenges of their children. Future large-scale studies involving MLHIV who have CLHIV are recommended to have a comprehensive understanding of strategies they employ to cope with HIV-related challenging circumstances and mental health issues that they continue to face.