PSYCHO-SOCIAL EXPERIENCES OF PERINATALLY HIV-INFECTED ADOLESCENTS RESIDING IN CHILD AND YOUTH CARE CENTRES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Authors

  • Vimbai Mavangira University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Tanusha Raniga University of KwaZulu-Natal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15270/51-3-456

Abstract

The psycho-social impact of HIV on perinatally infected children has been overlooked by policy makers internationally and nationally. This study explored the psycho-social experiences of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents who were residing in child and youth care centres in Gauteng in South Africa. The article adopts a social constructionist lens to discuss their biographical profile as well as four themes: knowledge and feelings towards mother; dealing with secrecy and disclosure; the way social networks affect treatment adherence; and interactions with health and social services. The paper concludes with some suggestions for health and social service professionals to help these adolescents navigate through this phase of their lives.

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Author Biographies

Vimbai Mavangira, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Social Work Practitioner

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Tanusha Raniga, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Lecturer

University of KwaZulu-Natal

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Published

2015-09-09

How to Cite

Mavangira, V., & Raniga, T. (2015). PSYCHO-SOCIAL EXPERIENCES OF PERINATALLY HIV-INFECTED ADOLESCENTS RESIDING IN CHILD AND YOUTH CARE CENTRES IN SOUTH AFRICA. Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 51(3). https://doi.org/10.15270/51-3-456

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Articles