Submission ID 130396
| Issue/Objective | Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the highest rates of HIV and teenage births globally. The association of HIV, early motherhood, and adolescence makes HIV-positive young mothers particularly vulnerable, with unique needs that limit their access to care and support. Consequently, they face poorer health outcomes compared to adult HIV-positive mothers. To help develop evidence-based targeted programs for HIV-positive young mothers, we conducted a scoping review to summarise and critically analyze the health and social service needs of HIV-positive young mothers aged 10 to 24 years in SSA. |
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| Methodology/Approach | Following the methodological framework by Arksey and O'Malley (2005), we conducted a scoping review that included peer-reviewed studies and grey literature. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-texts using Covidence. We then extracted data in Excel and conducted thematic analyses in NVivo. |
| Results | The search yielded 62 relevant articles. Findings reveal a significant geographic bias; the West and Central Africa regions accounted for less than 1% of all studies. In contrast, Southern and Eastern Africa made up over 90% (60% and 32%, respectively). Three studies examined multiple regions. The majority (n=60, 97%) of the studies included older adolescent mothers (15 to 19 years), while a smaller proportion (n=41, 68%) included young adult mothers (20 to 24 years), and only half (n=31, 52%) included younger adolescent mothers (10 to 14 years). Thematic analysis identified six main need domains: 1. HIV treatment support, including PMTCT; 2. Timely screening, diagnosis, and management of maternal health complications, including mental health; 3. Socio-economic empowerment; 4. Social and emotional support (from partners, family, and health providers); 5. Equal, affordable, and unbiased access to health information and services, particularly SRH services; and 6. Protection against violence (physical, sexual, and GBV). |
| Discussion/Conclusion | While targeted peer-supported programs have shown to improve the health outcomes of HIV-positive young mothers, systemic and policy changes involving affordable health services and a comprehensive social safety net that ensures both physical security and economic stability are essential. The lack of data from Central and West Africa highlights the need for research to understand the specific dynamics in these regions. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Rose Mary Tazinya University of Ottawa Rose Mary Tazinya University of Ottawa Lisa Bonhomme University of Ottawa Angel Foster University of Ottawa |
