A case study of school support and the psychological, emotional and behavioural consequences of HIV and AIDS on adolescents

Olubusayo Aduke Asikhia,Kesh Mohangi

doi:10.1080/17290376.2015.1125305

Abstract

Various studies have reported a huge increase in the numbers of orphaned adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa and its effects on their psychological, emotional and behavioural development. Yet, their needs are seldom recognised or adequately addressed in policy and programmes.This article uses a qualitative study to report the experiences of 11 orphaned adolescents (5 boys and 6 girls aged between 15 and 18 years) affected by HIV and AIDS in a secondary school (in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, South Africa) and the school support provided by them. The primary data-generation strategies were informal interviews and the Beck Youth Inventories-II (BYI-II) (adopted to measure the participants’ level of emotional, behavioural and psychological problems). All interview transcriptions with the participants were thematically analysed. BYI-II data were subjected to T scores (in percentages) to know the participant's psychological, behavioural and emotional problems in order to compare it with their perceptions on the degree of support provided by the school. Result shows that participants have a high prevalence of psychological, behavioural and emotional problems and that the school support provided to them (teachers’ support, the general school environment and the degree of discrimination, labelling and bullying that exists in the school) was not sufficient. The participants, however, reported a high level of support from the principal. In conclusion, we have suggested the urgent need for teachers to acquire and possess basic knowledge and skills in caring and paying attention to learners affected by HIV and AIDS and for government agencies and NGOs working with HIV-and AIDS-affected children, to focus on proposals that address the psychological, behavioural and emotional problems in such affected adolescents.

Highlights

HIV and AIDS have been prevalent in the world since being discovered some years ago
Other studies confirm that orphans suffer more vulnerability than non-orphans in terms of education (Foster & Williamson 2000; Grassly & Timaeus 2003; Walraven et al 1997). This has been a serious concern especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, which continues to have the highest percentage of the global HIV and AIDS crisis
The population of interest was orphaned South African adolescent learners who are affected by HIV and AIDS

Summary

Introduction

HIV and AIDS have been prevalent in the world since being discovered some years ago. According to Thupayagale-Tshweneagae and Mokomane (2013), the HIV and AIDS pandemic has claimed many lives and has had a direct influence on the growth and development of many countries but has led to increasing numbers of orphaned children and adolescents. Compounding the challenges of losing a parent is the loss of adult guidance and protection, and the likelihood that such children may be at increased risk of emotional, psychological and behavioural problems This possibility is supported by the UNICEF report (2013) that despite the millions invested in programmes supporting HIVaffected children, many of such children continue to face enormous economic, emotional and social challenges. Other studies confirm that orphans suffer more vulnerability than non-orphans in terms of education (Foster & Williamson 2000; Grassly & Timaeus 2003; Walraven et al 1997) This has been a serious concern especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, which continues to have the highest percentage of the global HIV and AIDS crisis (as evident in the UNAIDS World Report 2011)

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Discussion

Conclusion