HIV and/or AIDS awareness among adolescent orphans in one of the South African rural communities

Abstract

Background: The devastating effects of HIV and/or AIDS are widely documented. Despite ongoing efforts to address the challenges associated with the pandemic; the impact on children orphaned due to the disease; as well as on adolescents; remain problematic. More specifically; orphaned adolescents living in poverty; are particularly vulnerable and are often exposed to e.g. emotional and physical abuse; and transactional sexual exploitation. Against this background; the importance of informed awareness amongst adolescents is continually emphasised yet the outcomes of awareness campaigns require ongoing research.Objectives: The main objective of this study was to explore HIV and/or AIDS awareness among adolescents living in a rural community in South Africa; in the Chris Hani District of the Eastern Cape Province. Sixteen adolescents (aged 12-24) who had lost one or both of their parents due to HIV and/or AIDS related reasons were purposefully selected to participate in the study.Method: For this qualitative investigation; we implemented a descriptive case study design. Semi-structured individual interviews; observation and field notes were utilised to collect and document data; and inductive thematic analysis was completed using the software program Atlas.ti 7.Results: The three themes that were identified relate to HIV and/or AIDS awareness; disclosure of parents' HIV and/or AIDS status; and experiences of adolescents surrounding the death of their parents. Adolescents of the community viewed HIV and/or AIDS as an infectious disease that can lead to death; however that this can be prevented by avoiding at-risk sexual behaviour. Schools and family members were the main sources of information regarding HIV and/or AIDS to the participants. Even though parents tended not to disclose their HIV and/or AIDS status; adolescents became aware of their parents' status when reading of this on their parents' medical report cards or when being told about the status by others following the death of their parents. For adolescents; their parents' deaths were associated with the parents being chronically ill; or showing visible signs of deterioration such as weight loss.Conclusion: The study concludes that; even though current campaigns and informative interventions have seemingly succeeded in ensuring HIV and/or AIDS awareness amongst adolescents - also those in remote areas - continued educational campaigns are important. Such initiatives may prove to be beneficial if focusing on ways that parents can discuss HIV and/or AIDS related issues with their children and disclose an HIV positive status