The needs of HIV-positive teenage mothers within a South African socio-cultural context

Ilze Slabbert; Tasneemah Cornellissen-Nordien; Nomfundo Singwayo

doi:10.1921/jpts.v19i1-2.1682

Authors

Ilze Slabbert Lecturer, Department of Social Work, Stellenbosch University
Tasneemah Cornelissen-Nordien Lecturer, Department of Social Work, Stellenbosch University
Nomdundo Singwayo Social Worker, Department of Social Development, Limpopo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts.v19i1-2.1682

Keywords:

HIV positive teenage mothers, social service providers, basic needs, South Africa, poverty

Abstract

In rural South Africa a significant number of teenage mothers are HIV
positive with several needs. There are several programmes implemented with the
aim to prevent teenage pregnancies, but, effective services, are lacking especially
in rural areas for adolescents who already gave birth to their babies. The goal of
this study was to explore and describe the experiences of social service providers
in supporting the basic needs of HIV positive teenage mothers in a rural area
in South Africa. The study was qualitative in nature. The findings indicate that
HIV positive teenage mothers have several needs and lack basic services such
a sufficient health care, healthy food and potable water, opportunity complete
their schooling, and support. Socio-cultural factors such as early marriage, lack
of parental guidance, and gender power imbalances also contribute to teenage
pregnancies and positive HIV status. Based on the findings relevant conclusions
and recommendations were made.

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