“I’m angry with my mother”: Lived psychosocial experiences of adolescents with peri-natal-acquired HIV in Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

This study explored psychosocial need experiences of South African adolescents with perinatal-acquired HIV. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, we interviewed a convenience sample of 20 adolescents living with perinatal-acquired HIV on their psychosocial survivorship experiences (female =10, male =10; age range 18= 19 years). Thematic analysis of the interview data applying Giorgi’s method of phenomenological analysis yielded evidence to suggest anger, anxiety and fears about premature death, disclosure and stigma, medication fatigue, and resilient living. Interventions aimed to support and promote successful health for adolescents with perinatal-acquired HIV should seek to address their psychosocial vulnerabilities and assets transitioning into young adulthood.