Psychosocial Experiences Of Perinatally Hiv-infected Adolescents The Case Of Adolescents In The Social Support Group At Zewditu Memorial Hospital

The study explored the psychosocial aspects of perinatally HIV infected adolescents.rnQualitative research method was used to explore the psychosocial impacts HIV has on thernadolescents in relation to forming their identity and relationship with others. The method wasrnused to explore the different cases using In-depth interview, key informant interview andrnobservation as a data collection method. The study participants are those who usernAntiretroviral Therapy service at Zewditu Memorial Hospital. The participants were selectedrnusing purposive and snowball sampling. A total of 12 adolescents participated between thernage of 16 to 18. In addition, 4 health-care service providers at Zewditu Memorial Hospitalrnand a professional from HAPCO contributed to the findings of the study. Based on thernparticipants’ response, the study finding indicated that HIV has a negative effect on thernadolescents’ emotion. Nonetheless, HIV has not affected their self-concept and self-esteem,rnmeaning to present and future life, essence of spirituality and economic, health and socialrnlife. These adolescents used support from their family, friends and a peer-led support group atrnZewditu Memorial Hospital. A debatable concept of the effect of HIV/AIDS on their socialrnand dating life and ability to establish courtship has also been raised. Based on the findings,rnthe researcher included advocacy, awareness creation, and recommendations as to how socialrnworkers can be involved.rnKeywords: Adolescents, perinatal infection, psychosocial, HIV and AIDS

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