Interpersonal relations of pregnant women post-HIV diagnosis in Thembisile Hani, South Africa

Background: HIV is a major public health issue in South Africa, with around 7.7 million people living with the virus by 2023, including 4.9 million women. In 2022, 257 171 pregnant women received antiretroviral therapy to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Objectives: To explore and describe the interpersonal relationships of pregnant women following HIV diagnosis in the Thembisile Hani Municipality, South Africa. Method: An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used. Twenty (20) women aged 18-35 years, who were diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy, were purposively selected from a local clinic in Thembisile Hani Municipality. Data were collected through unstructured face-to-face interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Two themes emerged from the analysis; namely: (1) altered relationships with loved ones and (2) the role of psychosocial support to improve interpersonal relationships. These results indicate that being diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy has a negative impact on the interpersonal relationships of women. Conclusion: HIV diagnosis during pregnancy affects relationships, necessitating psychosocial support services such as counselling and support groups to improve well-being and relationship quality in pregnant women.