Lived Experiences of Adolescents with HIV in Rwanda: A Phenomenology Study.

Background: HIV is a chronic disease with a potentially negative impact on quality of life. Globally, adolescents with HIV (AWH) face incredible challenges related to their growth, social interactions, and well-being. The experiences and choices of AWH in Rwanda are poorly known. Objective: The current study explored the lived experiences of AWH in Rwanda using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Methods: A purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit twenty AWH from five health centers. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews from April to August 2022. All interviews were recorded, and field notes were taken. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated in English, and analyzed using Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results: Three main themes and nine subthemes emerged from data: burden of HIV (existential crisis, experiences with stigma, keep it a secret), owning my story (awareness of having HIV, making decisions) and successful living with HIV (features of successful living, continuum of self-acceptance, behavioural impact, social interaction). Conclusion: The AWH face challenges related to HIV condition and develop strategies to overcome challenges that hinder their well-being. Results provide valuable insights that inform targeted interventions and support programs, ultimately promoting the well-being of AWH.