Psychosocial challenges of young people affected by HIV: experiences from Hamilton County, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Abstract

The number of young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Tennessee has steadily grown over the last few years. As a response to this situation, several organizations are working hard to address the needs of families impacted by HIV and AIDS. However, a close examination of some of the services provided suggests that young people within these families are ignored. Most of the services are geared toward HIV and AIDS-infected adult members of these families. Young people within these household are not targeted, and little is known about psychosocial challenges they experience in living with HIV-positive parents or guardians. In an attempt to address this gap, this small-scale qualitative study investigated the psychosocial challenges of young people affected by HIV and AIDS as a result of living with HIV-positive parents or guardians. Perceived sense of depression, experiencing stigma, self-blame, and lack of communication and loneliness were challenges that young people faced regularly.

Keywords:

• young people
• HIV
• challenges
• stigma
• depression