Life after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS : exploring the experiences of young women aged 18-35 diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Mtubatuba Municipality, Kwazulu-Natal province

Abstract

In rural South Africa, young women face multiple challenges after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. This study explored the lived experiences of young women aged 18 to 35 who had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the Mtubatuba Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal province, using the health belief model (HBM) and Goffman’s stigma theory to frame their psychosocial journeys. The study was guided by the interpretivist paradigm, where a qualitative research design was employed, using purposive sampling to access 15 participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was utilised for data analysis. The findings indicate that initial reactions to the diagnosis are marked by profound shock, fear of death, anger, and self-blame, which highlight the enduring perception of HIV as a fatal and morally stigmatised condition in rural communities. However, there was a gradual move towards acceptance, which is largely facilitated by counselling, health education, and supportive family networks. Health workers are pivotal in reframing HIV as a manageable condition, although inconsistencies in counselling quality highlight structural gaps in care. While family and peer support provide emotional stability, disclosure is fraught with fear of rejection, gossip, and community judgement. The absence of formalised external support groups and economic empowerment initiatives further exacerbated the participants’ psychosocial vulnerabilities. Coping strategies included strict adherence to antiretroviral treatment through alarms, calendars, and reminders; reliance on prayer and spirituality for resilience; lifestyle modifications such as reduced alcohol intake; and cautious navigation of romantic and sexual relationships. The study concludes that while biomedical interventions have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition, psychosocial and structural challenges remain significant barriers to holistic well-being. The study recommends strengthening community-based counselling, stigma reduction campaigns, and socio-economic support structures, alongside integrating spiritual care and safe disclosure protocols.