Behaviours used by HIV-positive adolescents to prevent stigmatization in Botswana

The increasing numbers of adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are a compelling public health issue, and interventions are more likely to be effective if developed from the perspective of those adolescents. Despite the prevalence of HIV in Botswana, stigmatization is a common occurrence.

The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of a study undertaken to describe adolescents' perceptions in Botswana on the behaviours that HIV-positive adolescents use in dealing with stigmatization.

Four focus group discussions were held with 18 adolescents.

Adhering to AIDS therapies, seeking early treatment for common conditions and keeping silent about their diagnosis were the major findings of the study.

The findings have implications for both policy makers and health care practitioners.