Institutional and social dynamics of providing care and support to 15–19 year old adolescents living with HIV and AIDS in Botswana

The majority of HIV positive adolescents aged 15–19 years in Botswana, got infected through vertical transmission. In 2013, the HIV prevalence among 15–19 year olds was 5% when compared to 3.7% in 2008. The national HIV prevalence was 18.5% in 2013 (females; 19.2% and males 14.1%). There was a slight increase from 2008 which was 17.6% (20.4% for females and 14.2% for males). In 2013, 4833 teenagers aged 15—19 years old were enrolled in the government ARV programme (56% female and 44% males). Adolescents living with HIV and AIDS (ALWHA) and their parents and guardians face numerous challenges that require systematic investigation. The overall objective of this paper is to assess different types of care and support for 15–19 year old ALWHA provided by health care providers (HCPs), parents and guardians. The study utilized a qualitative exploratory design. In-depth interviews were conducted among 25 HCPs and 8 parents or guardians; and focus group discussions were conducted with 26 ALWHA (10 males an...