Lived Experience of Adolescents Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: A Phenomenological Study
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Date
2021-06
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: Ethiopia has a considerable number of adolescents who acquired HIV through
vertical and horizontal transmission. An adolescence living with HIV has various concerns and
their life is surrounded by embarrassment, dilemma, loneliness, defamation, rejection and fear
of their status known by others. However the life experience of adolescents living with HIV is
not well explored. The present pace of research concerning to adolescents with HIV
experience is still not enough comparing with the needs of adolescents living with HIV.
Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the lived experience of adolescents living with
HIV. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted from Februarys 8-
march 8 2021 at Tikur Anbesa specialized hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia among 18 study
participants who were from 10-19 years who had acquired HIV horizontal or vertical
transmission. They were chosen by purposive sampling technique. A semi-structured open
ended interview guide was used for collecting data. The interview was audio recorded,
transcribed and translated to English by the principal investigator. The translated data was
imported to Atlas Ti 8 software for coding and categorization. To assure trustworthiness the
principles which are basic were applied. Finally results were summarized using thematic
analysis. Result: The participants in this study expressed living with HIV have several
challenges. Feelings of loneliness, being sad and angry were reported. After disclosure
benefits were gotten that helped to increase adherence of drug and they understood about their
disease. The adolescents don’t tell their status to others because of fear of stigmatization. Most
of the participants perceived a positive spouse for the future so that to understand and help
with each other. They would like it if there is no stigmatization among the society and wanted
more advanced medication. Majority of participants have bright future about their life and
some wants to have their own family in the future. Conclusion and recommendations: In
this study it is revealed adolescents who are living with HIV have numerous challenges and
concerns. Therefore multiple interventions at individual, community and organizational levels
are suggested to support and satisfy the health requirements of the adolescents.
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Keywords
Adolescents, Living with HIV, Lived experiences, Phenomenology