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Behaviours used by HIV‐positive adolescents to prevent stigmatization in Botswana
Author(s) -
ThupayagaleTshweneagae G.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
international nursing review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1466-7657
pISSN - 0020-8132
DOI - 10.1111/j.1466-7657.2009.00792.x
Subject(s) - human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , psychology , nursing , medicine , clinical psychology , environmental health , family medicine
THUPAYAGALE‐TSHWENEAGAE G. (2010) Behaviours used by HIV‐positive adolescents to prevent stigmatization in Botswana. International Nursing Review 57 , 260–264 Background: The increasing numbers of adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are a compelling public health issue, and interventions are more likely to be effective if developed from the perspective of those adolescents. Despite the prevalence of HIV in Botswana, stigmatization is a common occurrence. Aim: The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of a study undertaken to describe adolescents' perceptions in Botswana on the behaviours that HIV‐positive adolescents use in dealing with stigmatization. Method: Four focus group discussions were held with 18 adolescents. Findings: Adhering to AIDS therapies, seeking early treatment for common conditions and keeping silent about their diagnosis were the major findings of the study. Conclusion: The findings have implications for both policy makers and health care practitioners.