HIV/AIDS: Research and Palliative Care (May 2024)

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

  • Kabunga A,
  • Nabasirye CK,
  • Kigingo E,
  • Namata H,
  • Shikanga EM,
  • Udho S,
  • Auma AG,
  • Nabaziwa J,
  • Tumwesigye R,
  • Musinguzi M,
  • Okalo P,
  • Acup W

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 16
pp. 217 – 227

Abstract

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Amir Kabunga,1 Caroline Kambugu Nabasirye,2 Eustes Kigingo,3 Halimah Namata,4 Enos Mwirotsi Shikanga,5 Samson Udho,2 Anna Grace Auma,2 Jannat Nabaziwa,6 Raymond Tumwesigye,7 Marvin Musinguzi,6 Ponsiano Okalo,1 Walter Acup6 1Department of Psychiatry, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 2Department of Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 3Department of Environmental Health and Disease Control, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 4Department of Mental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; 5Department of Education Psychology, Moi University, Eldoret City, Kenya; 6Department of Community Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 7Department of Nursing, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, UgandaCorrespondence: Amir Kabunga, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Uganda, P.O Box 1035, Lira City, Tel +256777929576, Email [email protected]: 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.Keywords: adolescents, HIV-related stigma, social support, pregnant adolescents, qualitative study

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