Challenges faced by teenage mothers living with HIV in taking care of their children in Bwaise Kawempe Division

Abstract

Background: Teenage motherhood continue to capture people’s attention as a social problem at a global scale and Africa in particular. It’s a matter of great concern for families, community leaders, educators, social workers, healthcare professionals, government and development partners. Objectives: The major objective of the study was to explore the challenges that teenage mothers living with HIV face in taking care of their children. In this study, I specifically explored the social and financial challenges that teenage mothers living with HIV face in taking care of their children in Bwaise and the coping strategies they adopt to overcome the challenges. Methodology: In this study, I adopted a case study design and a qualitative approach. Participants were selected purposively in which I selected eleven teenage mothers living with HIV and four key informants including two mentor mothers, a peer provider and community educator. I adopted two methods of data collection which included in-depth interviews and key informant interviews and data was analyzed thematically. Findings: Findings indicate that teenage mothers living with HIV in Bwaise face social challenges in taking care of their children which include; isolation, stigma, stress and rejection. They also face financial challenges including limited capacity to buy food, unstable source of income and limited support from spouses. However, they cope-up with challenges through counselling and guidance, acquiring skills and getting support from family and friends.