EXPERIENCES OF ADOLESCENTS LIVING WITH HIV AT THE FEVERS UNIT, KORLE BU TEACHING HOSPITAL

ABSTRACT Living with Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is challenging for any person especially during the period of adolescence. Many studies suggest that the services rendered in resource limited-countries do not meet the specific needs of adolescents living with HIV because little is known about their experiences. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of adolescents living with HIV and receiving treatment, care, and support at the Fevers Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. A descriptive exploratory qualitative design was used in this study. Purposive sampling method was used to select adolescents between the ages of 14-19 years and an interview guide was used for data collection. Saturation was reached by the 12th participant. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis and eight main themes emerged from the data. These were disclosure of illness to family and significant others/reasons, Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), care at the hospital and secrecy. The other themes included sources of infection/ramifications, selected experiences of adolescents, coping/support and future prospects. The findings showed that although the diagnosis and disclosure of HIV to adolescents brought feelings of sadness, worry and depression, the adolescents were determined to follow the medical instructions and comply with the treatment to live long and to be in good health. The adolescents kept their diagnoses a secret from some family members and significant others and disclosed it to people they could trust. The adolescents expressed the positive effects of the ART on their health. However, the side effects and the strict treatment regime were challenging for them. Parental/family support and encouragement from health professionals helped the adolescents to cope with their conditions. In the absence of social support networks, these adolescents found strength in their religious beliefs which helped them to cope with their conditions. Although the adolescents received information about their diagnoses and treatment, knowledge on sexual and reproductive health were inadequate. Despite all the difficulties they experienced, the adolescents were hopeful and positive about the future with education as a backbone to achieve career plans. There is a need for the provision of age-appropriate information on sexual and reproductive health for the adolescents to make informed decisions. Additionally, social support networks should be established for adolescents living with HIV as a platform to enable the adolescents share information and strengthen each other to be able to go through the adolescence phase.