Needs of HIV-positive teenage mothers within a South African socio-cultural context

Abstract

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