An investigation into the challenges facing single parents in disclosing their HIV/AID status to their teenage children: a case study of the Vulindlela area in the Umsunduzi Local Municipality.

Abstract

The continuing spread of HIV/AIDS has brought about unprecedented challenges to the ailing South African health care system, as well as the people infected and affected with HIV/AIDS.The study is qualitative in nature and it aims to explore and understand the challenges facing single parents when disclosing their HIV status to their teenage children, at the Vulindlela Area, in the uMsunduzi Local Municipality which falls under the jurisdiction of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality. The enquiry was conducted at Songonzima, Taylors and Mafakatini Clinic. Approximately twenty respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique which is also referred to as judgmental sampling. An interview schedule was used as a research instrument in this study. An informed consent was issued to participants informing them that participation in this study is voluntary and that they are free to withdraw their participation should they feel uncomfortable to continue. It is envisaging that the findings of this study will go a long way in assisting the health practitioners in uMsunduzi to understand the challenges facing single parents who are HIV positive when it comes to disclosure of single parent’s HIV status to their children. Keywords – HIV, single parents, teenage children, disclosure, HIV status, partners support, parental challenges