The needs of hiv-positive teenage mothers within a South African socio-cultural context Experiences of social service providers

Abstract

In rural South Africa a significant number of teenage mothers are HIV positive with several needs. There are several programmes implemented with the aim to prevent teenage pregnancies, but, effective services, are lacking especially in rural areas for adolescents who already gave birth to their babies. The goal of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of social service providers in supporting the basic needs of HIV positive teenage mothers in a rural area in South Africa. The study was qualitative in nature. The findings indicate that HIV positive teenage mothers have several needs and lack basic services such a sufficient health care, healthy food and potable water, opportunity complete their schooling, and support. Socio-cultural factors such as early marriage, lack of parental guidance, and gender power imbalances also contribute to teenage pregnancies and positive HIV status. Based on the findings relevant conclusions and recommendations were made.