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There are many impediments to family planning uptake by migrant women, which are likely to hinder their right to decide and use contraception. In this study, the authors investigated migrant women's family planning practices. The researchers conducted 22 qualitative interviews with migrant female head porters in a suburban community in Ghana. Our analysis showed that a combination of social and cultural barriers impede effective family planning uptake by migrant female head porters. Further analysis revealed institutional challenges as constraining in access to and utilization of family planning services by migrant female head porters. Based on our analysis, we conclude that migrant female head porters face many barriers to family planning uptake and thus recommend that the government of Ghana (Ministry of Health), policy makers, and other stakeholders take measures to ensure universal access to sexual reproductive health services and reproductive rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV/AIDS prevalence among adults aged 15–49 is increasingly affecting elderly women as caregivers. This study explored the experiences of elderly women caring for people living with HIV/AIDS in Masindi District, Uganda. Employing qualitative methods, 24 participants (18 elderly women caregivers and 6 key informants) were purposively selected. Data was collected from in-depth face-to-face interviews and analysed thematically. Findings revealed that participants performed numerous roles, resulting in economic, psychological, social and physical challenges. Coping strategies employed are problem and emotion-focused. Elderly women caring for HIV/AIDS persons will benefit from direct intervention and support services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored key informants' perspectives about adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Twenty-one participants were purposively selected and data were collected through face-to-face in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify emerging themes. The findings indicated that adolescents living with HIV had concerns about disclosing their HIV status. Key informants reported that adolescents living with HIV's responses to awareness about their status included anger, blame and social isolation. Also, it was found that the adolescents had challenges with adhering to scheduled medical appointments and the antiretroviral therapy. Evidence showed that financial constraints adversely affected adolescents' clinic attendance and medication compliance. Several psychosocial support services (counseling, financial assistance, provision of basic needs, and cordial relationships) were identified by key informants as being available for adolescents living with HIV. Based on the findings of the study, conclusions were drawn and implications discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Globally, adolescents continue to be unduly affected by HIV. • Adolescents living with HIV are vulnerable due to a myriad factors. • Adolescents living with HIV experience stigma, especially when they disclose their HIV status. • Adolescents living with HIV have conflicting views about clinic attendance and antiretroviral therapy. • Psychosocial interventions and financial assistance are suggested for adolescents living with HIV and their families. This study explored the experiences of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Accra, Ghana. A descriptive study design with qualitative data collection and analysis methods were used. Thirty participants were purposively selected and data were collected through face-to-face in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify emerging themes that addressed objectives of the study. The findings indicated that adolescents became aware of their HIV through family and non-family members, but were reluctant to disclose their HIV status to others due to varied reasons. Furthermore, it was found that the adolescents experienced stigma and also had conflicting views about clinic attendance and the antiretroviral therapy (ART). Evidence showed that some of the participants experienced financial challenges, which negatively affected their clinic attendance. In addition, participants reported they received support from healthcare providers, as well as their parents and guardians. The findings suggest the need for psychosocial interventions and financial assistance to adolescents living with HIV and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]