Psychosocial Challenges Faced by Adolescents Living with HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe. A Case Study of Zvandiri Centre (Afri Aid Adolescents Corner at Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital) · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Bongo, Joyce .R

Title

Psychosocial Challenges Faced by Adolescents Living with HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe. A Case Study of Zvandiri Centre (Afri Aid Adolescents Corner at Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the psychosocial challenges faced by adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, a case study was carried out at the Zvandiri centre at Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital. The study is a case study of seventy-five (75)adolescents who participated in the study with ages ranging between the ages of ten to nineteen(10-19) years and were selected through systematic random sampling .In addition three (3) key informants were selected using purposive sampling and ten (10) parents or guardians were selected using convenience sampling .Data collection techniques Included semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.The research findings illustrated that this unique group in society has been receiving little attention in the previous years. The challenge that the majority of adolescents commonly experienced was stigma and discrimination and it was reported to be a major issue affecting adolescents resulting in some adolescents being given mockery nicknames .Fear of being susceptible to opportunistic infections,anxiety of what the future holds as well as pessimism of a shorter life expectancy .To add on faith healing and drug adherence, fear of handling disclosure issues with the opposite sex and issues concerning marriage and chances of having healthy babies were reported as complex issues. In trying to deal with these complexities, adolescents resorted to coping mechanisms. These coping mechanisms have been divided into two namely passive and active coping mechanisms. Recommendations posits that a lot still needs to be done in incorporating society so as to improve participation as well as policy makers to work towards improving the betterment of the quality of services for adolescents living with HIV/AIDS.

Date

2022

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Psychosocial Challenges

Supervisor

N/A