Challenges faced by HIV/AIDS-orphaned youth in household headship: A qualitative study in Ngaka Modiri Molema, North West Province

Background In South Africa, HIV/AIDS continues to be a major contributing factor to caregiver deaths. Many households in the country are left without an adult caregiver because the caregivers died from HIV/AIDS and left youth in charge of households. In addition, young people in charge of households deal with a variety of challenges brought by difficult circumstances orphans endure following the deaths of their caregivers. These challenges include financial struggles, dropping out of school, working part-time jobs, dating for cash, just to mention a few. Aim The aim of this study was to explore the challenges faced by HIV/AIDS-orphaned youth in household headship. Likewise, to draw the recommendations on how the HIV/AIDS-orphaned youth in household headship can be supported. Setting : The research study was carried out in the households that are headed by HIV/AIDS-orphaned youth in Ngaka Modiri Molema district in the North West Province. Method To address the research questions, this study employed exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative designs. Purposive sampling was used by the researcher. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with the participants to gather data. The researcher visited each participant at their home with the help of Community Health Workers for recruitment and data collection. The researcher used field notes and a recording device to ensure that the information can be confirmed. The gathered data were analysed using thematic analysis approach. Results The study yielded seven themes. Namely, financial challenges experienced by HIV/AIDS-orphaned youth in household headship, Health challenges experienced by HIV/AIDS-orphaned youth in household headship, Educational challenges experienced by HIV/AIDS-orphaned youth in household headship, Social challenges experienced by HIV/AIDS-orphaned youth in household headship, Emotional challenges experienced by HIV/AIDS-orphaned youth in household headship and Spiritual challenges experienced by HIV/AIDS-orphaned youth in household headship. Conclusion The study's participants offered recommendations for resolving their current challenges. Furthermore, the results of this study influenced the advancing of additional recommendations.