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

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 per...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:HIV/AIDS (Auckland) 2024-05, Vol.16, p.217-227
Main Authors: Kabunga, Amir, Nabasirye, Caroline Kambugu, Kigingo, Eustes, Namata, Halimah, Shikanga, Enos Mwirotsi, Udho, Samson, Auma, Anna Grace, Nabaziwa, Jannat, Tumwesigye, Raymond, Musinguzi, Marvin, Okalo, Ponsiano, Acup, Walter
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adolescents
Analysis
Antiviral agents
Discrimination against AIDS virus carriers
Epidemics
Highly active antiretroviral therapy
HIV (Viruses)
hiv-related stigma
Medical research
Medicine, Experimental
Original Research
pregnant adolescents
Pregnant women
qualitative study
Social networks
social support
Teenage girls
Teenage pregnancy
Uganda
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Summary: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. 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. 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. 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.
ISSN:1179-1373
1179-1373
DOI:10.2147/HIV.S463506