Naomi Mmapelo Seboni

Using qualitative methods for course evaluation: a case study from Botswana.

This article is a report of a qualitative evaluation of a course on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome carried out jointly by faculty from Botswana and the United States at a university in Botswana. It demonstrates the importance of both international nurse educator expertise in impacting a major pandemic and the use of qualitative methods for course evaluation.

Cultural Considerations in Theories of Adolescent Development: A Case Study from Botswana

Western studies of adolescent development are beginning to corporate not only the traditional ideas of nature and nurture, but also contextual factors such as culture, ecology and historical time. This article explores how adolescent development is influenced by both a specific culture (Botswana) and a specific ecological situation (the rampant HIV pandemic in that country). A case study of late adolescents living in this pandemic in Botswana helps broaden our traditional views of adolescent development.

People Living With HIV and AIDS on the Brink: Stigma—A Complex Sociocultural Impediment in the Fight Against HIV and AIDS in Botswana

HIV-related stigma is a life-altering phenomenon. The consequence of the stigmatization process sets apart stigmatized person(s) as a distinct category, leading to various forms of disapproval, rejection, exclusion, labeling, stereotyping, and discrimination. Stigma of HIV-positive people in Botswana is a complex social phenomenon associated with the disease itself and the behaviors that lead to infection. This is a synthesis paper based on the literature review on HIV- and AIDS-related stigmatization of HIV-positive people in Botswana and in-depth interviews with people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs). I examine the literature on HIV- and AIDS-related stigmatization and subsequent discrimination and the implications for intervention programs for people living with HIV and AIDS. The findings from the literature and in-depth interviews show that HIV–AIDS-related stigma is deeply embedded in societal structures and culture which promote nonacceptance of those branded HIV positive. This often is reinforced at a practical level by pervasive negative attitudes toward PLWHAs. Recommendations argue for the adoption of Healthy Relationship. This intervention seeks to promote and strengthen decision-making skills among PLWHAs and programs that promote destigmatization of, and tolerant attitudes toward, PLWHAs.

Risks and Protective Behaviors of Adolescents Living With HIV/AIDS in Botswana

HIV and AIDS are a major problem in Botswana. Studies have revealed that they have mostly affected young people, most of whom will have been infected with HIV during their teenage years. The prevalence among young people aged 15–24 is 16.9% and 6.6% among adolescents aged 15–19 years. It is therefore crucial to examine perceived contextual factors that influence adolescents living with HIV and AIDS, the risks that they encounter, and the behaviors that they use to reduce such risks. A qualitative exploratory descriptive design will be used to describe the HIV and AIDS knowledge risk and protective factors in general and sexual factors in particular of adolescents living with HIV and AIDS. Focus group discussions and individual in-depth interviews will be conducted among female and male adolescents aged 13 to 19 years. Content analysis will be utilized.

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

ABSTRACT 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 and 16 females) from Mochudi and Gaborone. Thematic content analysis was employed in data analysis. The main challenges reported by adolescents, HCPs, parents and guardians included those relating to institutional, family, school and community care and support. These challenges undermine provision of available care and support services provided by parents and guardians and HCPs. The findings of the study will inform the design of an effective social network and support systems for ALWHA and their parents/guardians.