Submission ID 130655
| Issue/Objective | Despite progress in HIV/AIDS response in Cameroon, major gaps persist in care for HIV-positive adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). AGYW are about five times more likely to acquire HIV than their male counterparts and face high rates of teenage pregnancy, increasing risks of early motherhood. The intersection of HIV, motherhood, and adolescence makes HIV-positive young mothers particularly vulnerable, with unique needs that hinder their access to care and support. This study sought to explore the lived experiences of HIV-positive young mothers in Cameroon to inform the development of evidence-based, context-specific programs to improve care, support, and health outcomes for this vulnerable population. |
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| Methodology/Approach | We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 HIV-positive young mothers aged 10 to 24 years, purposefully recruited from 15 health facilities across the Northwest, Southwest, and Littoral regions of Cameroon. The interviews aimed to explore the intersection of living with HIV and young motherhood in a low-resource setting. We audio recorded and transcribed Interviews verbatim; we conducted content and thematic analyses using NVivo. |
| Results | Six core themes emerged: 1. Identity shift: Young mothers experience a significant identity transformation while navigating motherhood with HIV, which they describe as "difficult," but for most, seeing their baby gives them a source of belonging, resilience, and joy. 2. Intersecting stigmas, rejection, and isolation: related to HIV, young motherhood, and gendered expectations. 3. Compound stress and mental health struggles: for most, these struggles start from adverse childhood experiences, followed by HIV, young motherhood, and poverty, which exacerbate fear, depression, and suicidal thoughts amid limited mental health support. 4. Limited HIV status disclosure and fragile social support systems, which further hinder access to care. 5. Eroded agency and unequal power dynamics in negotiating intimate relationships. 6. Interrupted life trajectories and missed opportunities: including disrupted education and employment pathways, along with limited long-term aspirations. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | HIV-positive young mothers face multiple intersecting vulnerabilities that span across system levels. Actions must move beyond siloed interventions to systemic and policy changes. We advocate for an integrated and multidisciplinary approach that provides HIV-positive young mothers with HIV and SRH care, protection from violence, and tools for economic empowerment to become independent. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Rose Mary Tazinya University of Ottawa Angel Foster University of Ottawa |
