HIV-Related Stigma Among Pregnant Adolescents: A Qualitative Study of Patient Perspectives in Southwestern Uganda

Figures & data

Table 1 Descriptive Characteristics of Respondents

Variables	N=28 n(%)
Age (Mean/SD)	6.9 (3.5)
Gender
Married	12 (42.8)
Single	16 (57.2)
Education
In school	19 (67.8)
Out of school	9 (32.2)
Orphan hood Status
Had both parents alive	10 (35.7)
Had lost one parent	13 (46.5)
Had lost both parents	5 (17.8)

Table 2 Themes

Codes	Sub-Themes	Major Themes
“double stigma”, “societal judgment”, “overwhelming burden”	Overlapping burdens of HIV and pregnancy Feeling marked and singled out Disappointment in lack of community support	Experiences of double stigma
“lack of community support”, “cultural beliefs”, “social norms”, “perception of promiscuity”, “expectations of a ‘good girl’ “fear of ostracization”, “…. HIV is a death sentence”	Association between HIV and immoral behavior Societal expectations on behavior of “good girls” Perception of HIV as a death sentence	Social and cultural influences shaping stigma
“stigmatization within healthcare settings”, “no confidentiality and privacy”	Stigmatization within healthcare settings Lack of confidentiality and sensitivity	Challenges within the healthcare system
“impact on mental health”, “self-esteem issues”, “doubt and self-worth”, “feeling of loneliness”, “impact on relationships and aspirations”	Mental turmoil and constant scrutiny Impact on self-esteem and self-worth Feelings of loneliness and isolation Impact on relationships and aspirations	Psychosocial impacts of stigma
“family and social support”, “peer support”, “internal resilience”	Family and social support as a shield against stigma Peer relationships as sources of strength Self-worth as armor against discrimination	Resilience and coping mechanisms

Data Sharing Statement

The raw data for this article is available from the principal investigator ([email protected]) upon reasonable request.