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Jopling R, Mutsvuke W, Fertig M, O'Cleirigh C, Mangezi W, Abas M. "What if I got rejected by the girl? I would rather stop the pills": barriers and facilitators of adherence to antiretroviral therapy for emerging adults aged 18-29 living with HIV in Zimbabwe. AIDS Care 2024; 36:168-178. [PMID: 38537178 PMCID: PMC11283961 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2332462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Emerging adults aged 18-29 have high rates of viral non-suppression, and poorer adherence to ART when compared to older adults. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 emerging adults in Zimbabwe who had a recent history of viral non-suppression, to explore barriers and facilitators of adherence to ART. Interviews were coded using inductive thematic analysis. The mean age of participants was 23, 65% were male, and 79% reported acquiring HIV at birth. Twelve barriers to adherence were identified. Hiding HIV status due to the possible negative consequences of disclosure had a significant impact on adherence to ART. This was particularly important for emerging adults navigating starting intimate relationships. Being away from home, poverty, poor mental health, isolation, significant life events, alcohol, health systems barriers, and stigma were reported as barriers to adherence. Support from peers and family after disclosure of HIV status, phone-based reminders, problem-solving strategies to adhere, knowing others living with HIV, acted as facilitators to adherence to ART. Beliefs about medicines and relationships with health care providers acted as both barriers and facilitators to adherence. Interventions to reduce stigma, foster peer support, and therapy for common mental disorders could facilitate emerging adults aged 18-29 to adhere to ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jopling
- Health Services and Population Research Department, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Madison Fertig
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Conall O'Cleirigh
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Walter Mangezi
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Unit of Mental Health, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Melanie Abas
- Health Services and Population Research Department, King's College London, London, UK
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2
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Evangeli M, Gnan G, Musiime V, Fidler S, Seeley J, Frize G, Uwizera A, Lisi M, Foster C. The HIV Empowering Adults' Decisions to Share: UK/Uganda (HEADS-UP) Study-A Randomised Feasibility Trial of an HIV Disclosure Intervention for Young Adults with Perinatally Acquired HIV. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1947-1964. [PMID: 38491226 PMCID: PMC11161430 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04294-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Young adults with perinatally acquired HIV (PAH) face numerous challenges, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, managing onward HIV transmission risks and maintaining wellbeing. Sharing one's HIV status with others (onward HIV disclosure) may assist with these challenges but this is difficult. We developed and tested the feasibility of an intervention to help HIV status sharing decision-making for young adults with PAH. The study used a randomised parallel group feasibility design with 18-25-year-olds in Uganda and 18-29 year-olds in the UK. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention or standard of care (SOC) condition. The intervention consisted of four sessions (3 group, 1 individual) with follow-up support, delivered in person in Uganda and remotely in the UK. Assessments were carried out at: Pre-intervention /baseline; Post-intervention (intervention group only); Six-month follow-up. 142 participants were recruited (94 Uganda, 48 UK; 89 female, 53 male). At six-month follow-up, 92/94 (98%) participants were retained in Uganda, 25/48 (52%) in the UK. Multivariate analysis of combined data from both countries, showed a non-significant effect of intervention condition on HIV disclosure cognitions and affect (p = 0.08) and HIV disclosure intention (p = 0.09). There was a significant intervention effect on well-being (p = 0.005). This study addressed important gaps in understanding acceptable and feasible ways of delivering HIV status sharing support for young people living with PAH across two very different settings. The intervention was acceptable in both countries and feasible in Uganda. In the UK, retention may have been affected by its remote delivery.Trial registration: ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN31852047, Registered on 21 January 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Evangeli
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK.
| | - Georgina Gnan
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Victor Musiime
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, Imperial College NIHR BRC, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Graham Frize
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Matteo Lisi
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
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3
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Hendricks LA, Young T, Van Wyk SS, Matheï C, Hannes K. Storyboarding HIV Infected Young People's Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Lower- to Upper Middle-Income Countries: A New-Materialist Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11317. [PMID: 36141589 PMCID: PMC9517626 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Young people living with perinatal infections of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (YLPHIV) face a chronic disease, with treatment including adherence to lifelong antiretroviral treatment (ART). The aim of this QES was to explore adherence to ART for YLPHIV as an assemblage within the framework of the biopsychosocial model with a new materialist perspective. We searched up to November 2021 and followed the ENTREQ and Cochrane guidelines for QES. All screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal were done in duplicate. We analysed and interpreted the findings innovatively by creating images of meaning, a storyboard, and storylines. We then reported the findings in a first-person narrative story. We included 47 studies and identified 9 storylines. We found that treatment adherence has less to do with humans' preferences, motivations, needs, and dispositions and more to do with how bodies, viruses, things, ideas, institutions, environments, social processes, and social structures assemble. This QES highlights that adherence to ART for YLPHIV is a multisensorial experience in a multi-agentic world. Future research into rethinking the linear and casual inferences we are accustomed to in evidence-based health care is needed if we are to adopt multidisciplinary approaches to address pressing issues such as adherence to ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn A. Hendricks
- Centre for Evidence Based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 3000, South Africa
- Research Group SoMeTHin’K (Social, Methodological and Theoretical Innovation/Kreative), Faculty of Social Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Taryn Young
- Centre for Evidence Based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 3000, South Africa
| | - Susanna S. Van Wyk
- Centre for Evidence Based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 3000, South Africa
| | - Catharina Matheï
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Hannes
- Research Group SoMeTHin’K (Social, Methodological and Theoretical Innovation/Kreative), Faculty of Social Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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4
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Kasimonje B, Shamu T, Mudzviti T, Luethy R. Group counselling for adherence support among young people failing first-line antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe. South Afr J HIV Med 2021; 22:1292. [PMID: 34858653 PMCID: PMC8603063 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v22i1.1292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is reportedly worse amongst young people living with HIV (YPLHIV). Group adherence counselling can be useful to improve adherence. Objectives We evaluated an enhanced adherence counselling group intervention (EACGI) amongst YPLHIV failing a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase (NNRTI)-based first-line ART regimen. Method This was a retrospective cohort study using routinely collected data of YPLHIV failing NNRTI-based first-line ART. Patients with confirmed virological failure were referred for EACGI, a 12-week curriculum of weekly, 1.5-h sessions accommodating 8–15 people per group. It aimed to facilitate readiness to switch to second-line ART and improve adherence through a mental health intervention. Viral loads of HIV were measured pre-EACGI; at baseline; 3, 6 and 12 months post switch. Results Fifty-seven patients aged 13–25 years were invited to EACGI and followed for up to 48 weeks. Thirty-three (58%) patients attended at least four sessions, whilst 24 (42%) attended none. Amongst those who attended none, two (8%) were transferred out, three (13%) were lost to follow-up and two (8%) had died by week 48 of follow-up, whilst all who attended were still in care. By week 48, amongst patients still in care, 29%, 44% and 67% of those who attended no sessions, 4–9 and 10–12 sessions, respectively, had viral loads of < 50 copies/mL. Conclusion An EACGI is a promising intervention for YPLHIV failing ART prior to treatment switch, leading to improved adherence. This study’s findings support the need for further enquiry into rigorous, evidence-based multilevel adherence interventions that are acceptable and effective for YPLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tinei Shamu
- Newlands Clinic, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School of Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tinashe Mudzviti
- Newlands Clinic, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Simms V, Bernays S, Chibanda D, Chinoda S, Mutsinze A, Beji‐Chauke R, Mugurungi O, Apollo T, Sithole D, Verhey R, Weiss HA, Willis N. Risk factors for HIV virological non-suppression among adolescents with common mental disorder symptoms in Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25773. [PMID: 34402199 PMCID: PMC8368838 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents are at increased risk of HIV virological non-suppression compared to adults and younger children. Common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression are a barrier to adherence and virological suppression. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with virological non-suppression among adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) in Zimbabwe who had symptoms of common mental disorders. METHODS We utilized baseline data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial of a problem-solving therapy intervention to improve mental health and HIV viral suppression of ALWH. Sixty clinics within 10 districts were randomized 1:1 to either the intervention or control arm, with the aim to recruit 14 adolescents aged 10 to 19 per clinic. Adolescents were eligible if they scored ≥7 on the Shona Symptom Questionnaire measuring symptoms of common mental disorders. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for factors associated with non-suppression, defined as viral load ≥1000 copies/mL. RESULTS Between 2 January and 21 March 2019 the trial enrolled 842 participants aged 10 to 19 years (55.5% female, 58.8% aged <16). Most participants (N = 613) were taking an NNRTI-based ART regimen (13 PI-based, 216 unknown) and median duration on ART was six years (IQR three to nine years, 240 unknown). Of the 833 with viral load data 292 (35.1%) were non-suppressed. Virological non-suppression was independently associated with male sex (adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.43, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.97), and with not knowing one's own HIV status (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.88), or knowing one's status but not disclosing it to anyone (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.93), compared to adolescents who knew their status and had disclosed it to someone. CONCLUSIONS ALWH with symptoms of common mental disorders have high prevalence of virological non-suppression in Zimbabwe, especially if they do not know their status or have not disclosed it. In general adolescents should be informed of their HIV status, with encouragement on the beneficial health and social effects of viral suppression, to incentivise adherence. Efforts to strengthen the operationalization of disclosure guidelines for adolescents should now be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Simms
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology GroupLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Sarah Bernays
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Dixon Chibanda
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Friendship BenchHarareZimbabwe
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Zimbabwe College of Health SciencesHarareZimbabwe
| | | | | | | | - Owen Mugurungi
- AIDS & TB UnitMinistry of Health and Child CareHarareZimbabwe
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- AIDS & TB UnitMinistry of Health and Child CareHarareZimbabwe
| | - Dorcas Sithole
- Mental Health ServicesMinistry of Health and Child CareHarareZimbabwe
| | | | - Helen A Weiss
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology GroupLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
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Maseko Y, Madiba S. Pain, Anger, and the Fear of Being Discovered Persist Long after the Disclosure of HIV Serostatus among Adolescents with Perinatal HIV in Rural Communities in South Africa. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 7:E261. [PMID: 33260717 PMCID: PMC7761479 DOI: 10.3390/children7120261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Informing adolescents of their HIV serostatus forms part of their HIV care and is a critical step in the transition to adult clinical care services. This article describes the experiences of adolescents with perinatal HIV in regard to disclosure, and examines the impact disclosure has on their emotional health and behaviors. We used a qualitative design to conduct interviews with 21 adolescents aged 12-19 years recruited from a rural district in South Africa. NVivo 10 computer software was used for thematic analyses. All adolescents were aware of their HIV-serostatus. The findings show that delayed disclosure, was a one-time event, and was unplanned. Disclosure occurred at the clinic rather than the adolescent's home. For most adolescents, feelings of anger, pain, sadness, negative perceptions of self, internalized stigma, and denial persisted long after disclosure occurred. They lived in constant fear of having their serostatus being discovered, and they developed a sense of fear of self-disclosure. Their negative emotions undermined treatment adherence. In contrast, other adolescents that described disclosure as a positive event, had accepted their HIV status, and lived similar to other adolescents. The prolonged negative reactions underscore the importance of ongoing post-disclosure interventions for adolescents in rural settings where psychosocial support services are insufficient to address their emotional wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sphiwe Madiba
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
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7
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Burns R, Magalasi D, Blasco P, Szumilin E, Pasquier E, Schramm B, Wringe A. "We give them threatening advice…": expectations of adherence to antiretroviral therapy and their consequences among adolescents living with HIV in rural Malawi. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25459. [PMID: 32124554 PMCID: PMC7052309 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa struggle to achieve optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), but few studies have investigated how their treatment-taking decisions are influenced by their social interactions with providers, caregivers and community leaders. This study aims to explore the narratives that define expectations of adherence to ART among adolescents living with HIV in a rural Malawian setting. METHODS Overall, 45 in-depth interviews were conducted in 2016 with adolescents living with HIV, caregivers, health workers and community leaders, and four group sessions using participatory tools were undertaken with adolescents. Interviews and group sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated into English. Data were coded inductively and analysed thematically. RESULTS Adolescents were given strict behavioural codes around optimal treatment adherence, which were often enforced through encouragement, persuasian and threats. In HIV clinics, some staff supported adolescents with broader concerns relating to living with HIV, but other measures to address sub-optimal adherence in HIV clinics were perceived by patients as punitive, including pill-counts and increased frequency of clinic visits. Community leaders felt responsible for young peoples' health, sometimes attempting to influence their treatment-taking by threatening to withdraw services, or to publically "out" those deemed to be non-adherent. At home, discussions with adolescents about HIV were often limited to dose reminders, and some caretakers resorted to physical punishment to ensure adherence. While some adolescents complied with strictly-enforced adherence rules, others demonstrated resistance by hiding missed doses, secretly throwing away drugs, or openly refusing to take them. CONCLUSIONS The potential of young people to adhere to their ART may be undermined by restrictive messages and punitive approaches to enforce and control their engagement with treatment at home, in the clinic and in the wider community. Interventions should focus on creating safe spaces for adolescents to speak frankly about the adherence challenges that they face and support for caregivers including home-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Estelle Pasquier
- Epicentre, Paris, France.,Médecins Sans Frontières, Paris, France
| | | | - Alison Wringe
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Evangeli M, Foster C, Musiime V, Fidler S, Seeley J, Gnan G. A randomised feasibility trial of an intervention to support sharing of HIV status for 18-25-year olds living with perinatally acquired HIV compared with standard care: HIV Empowering Adults' Decisions to Share-UK/Uganda Project (HEADS-UP). Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020; 6:141. [PMID: 32999731 PMCID: PMC7517800 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00688-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Background Young adults with perinatally acquired HIV (PAH) face several challenges, including adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART), managing the risk of onward HIV transmission and maintaining positive well-being. Sharing one’s HIV status with others (onward HIV disclosure) may assist with these challenges by facilitating emotional and practical support. Rates of HIV status sharing are, however, low in this population. There are no existing interventions focused on sharing one’s HIV status for young adults living with PAH. The HEADS-UP study is designed to develop and test the feasibility of an intervention to help the sharing of HIV status for young adults with PAH. Methods The study is a 30-month multi-site randomised feasibility study across both a high-income/low-HIV prevalence country (UK) and a low-income/high-HIV prevalence country (Uganda). Phase 1 (12 months) will involve developing the intervention using qualitative interviews with 20 young people living with PAH (ten in the UK—18 to 29 years; ten in Uganda—18 to 25 years), 20 of their social network (friends, family, sexual partners as defined by the young person; ten in the UK, ten in Uganda) and ten professionals with experience working with young adults with PAH (five in the UK, five in Uganda). Phase 2 (18 months) involves conducting a randomised feasibility parallel group trial of the intervention alongside current standard of care condition in each country (main study) with 18- to 25-year olds with PAH. A sample size of 94 participants per condition (intervention or standard of care; 188 participants in total: 47 in each condition in each country) with data at both the baseline and 6-month follow-up time points, across UK and Ugandan sites will be recruited. Participants in the intervention condition will also complete measures immediately post-intervention. Face-to-face interviews will be conducted with ten participants in both countries immediately post-intervention and at 6-month follow-up (sub-study). Discussion This study will be the first trial that we are aware of to address important gaps in understanding acceptable and feasible ways of delivering HIV status sharing support for young people living with PAH. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN31852047, Registered on 21 January, 2019. Study sponsor: Royal Holloway University of London. Sponsor contact: alicen.nickson@rhul.ac.uk. Date and version: April 2020. Protocol version 3.5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victor Musiime
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Joint Clinical Research Centre, Lubowa, Uganda
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease, London, UK.,Imperial College NIHR BRC, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Georgina Gnan
- Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK
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Lanyon C, Seeley J, Namukwaya S, Musiime V, Paparini S, Nakyambadde H, Matama C, Turkova A, Bernays S. "Because we all have to grow up": supporting adolescents in Uganda to develop core competencies to transition towards managing their HIV more independently. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 5:e25552. [PMID: 32869514 PMCID: PMC7459166 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sustaining optimal adherence is the major challenge facing adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV), particularly in low-resource settings, where "second-line" is often the last accessible treatment option. We explored the knowledge and skills adolescents need in order to maintain improved adherence behaviours, and the specific ways clinicians and caregivers may support young people to do so more independently. METHODS We conducted individual, in-depth interviews with 20 ALHIV aged 10 to 18 years in Uganda in 2017 to 2018. All participants had recently commenced second-line treatment as part of a clinical trial. We used thematic qualitative analysis to examine adherence experiences and challenges while on first-line therapy, as well as specific supports necessary to optimise treatment-taking longer-term. RESULTS Adherence difficulties are exacerbated by relatively rapid shifts from caregiver-led approaches during childhood, to an expectation of autonomous treatment-taking with onset of adolescence. For many participants this shift compounded their ongoing struggles managing physical side effects and poor treatment literacy. Switching to second-line typically prompted reversion back to supervised adherence, with positive impacts on self-reported adherence in the immediate term. However, this measure is unlikely to be sustainable for caregivers due to significant caregiver burden (as on first line), and provided little opportunity for clinicians to guide and develop young people's capacity to successfully adopt responsibility for their own treatment-taking. CONCLUSIONS As ALHIV in sub-Saharan Africa are attributed increasing responsibility for treatment adherence and HIV management, they must be equipped with the core knowledge and skills required for successful, self-directed care. Young people need to be relationally supported to develop necessary "adherence competencies" within the supportive framework of a gradual "transition" period. Clinic conversations during this period should be adolescent-focussed and collaborative, and treatment-taking strategies situated within the context of their lived environments and support networks, to facilitate sustained adherence. The disclosure of adherence difficulties must be encouraged so that issues can be identified and addressed prior to treatment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Lanyon
- School of Public HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and DevelopmentLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI)DurbanSouth Africa
| | | | - Victor Musiime
- Department of Paediatrics and Child HealthMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
- Research DepartmentJoint Clinical Research CentreKampalaUganda
| | - Sara Paparini
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | - Anna Turkova
- Clinical Trials UnitUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Sarah Bernays
- School of Public HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Department of Global Health and DevelopmentLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
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10
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Bernays S, Tshuma M, Willis N, Mvududu K, Chikeya A, Mufuka J, Cowan F, Mavhu W. Scaling up peer-led community-based differentiated support for adolescents living with HIV: keeping the needs of youth peer supporters in mind to sustain success. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 5:e25570. [PMID: 32869532 PMCID: PMC7459167 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low rates of viral suppression among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) indicate that more effective support is urgently required at scale. The provision of peer support has generated considerable enthusiasm because it has the potential to ameliorate the complex social and relational challenges which underpin suboptimal adherence. Little is known about the impact on young peer supporters themselves, which is the focus of this paper. METHODS We present qualitative findings from the Zvandiri trial investigating the impact of a peer support intervention on the viral load for beneficiaries (ALHIV, aged 13 to 19 years) in Zimbabwe. The Zvandiri peer supporters aged 18 to 24 years, known as community adolescent treatment supporters (CATS), are themselves living with HIV. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted in late 2018 with 17 CATS exploring their experiences of delivering peer support and their own support needs. Interviews were analysed iteratively using thematic analysis. RESULTS The CATS reported that being peer supporters improved their own adherence behaviour and contributed to an improved sense of self-worth. The social connections between the CATS were a source of comfort and enabled them to develop skills to manage the challenging aspects of their work. Two substantial challenges were identified. First, their work may reveal their HIV status. Second, managing the emotional labour of this caring work; given how commonly the complexity of the beneficiaries' needs mirrored the circumstances of their own difficult lives. Both challenges were ameliorated by the support the CATS provided to each other and ongoing supervision from the adult mentor. There was variation in whether they felt their roles were appropriately valued through the remuneration they received and within the health system. There was a consensus that their experience meant that they would graduate from being a CATS with transferable skills that could enhance their employability. CONCLUSIONS Their experiences illustrate the advantages and opportunities of being a CATS. To minimize potential harms, it is vital to ensure that they feel valued in their role, which can be demonstrated by the provision of appropriate remuneration, recognition and respect, and that there is continued investment in ongoing support through ongoing training and mentoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bernays
- Global Health and DevelopmentLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- School of Public HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Maureen Tshuma
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR)HarareZimbabwe
| | | | - Kudzanayi Mvududu
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR)HarareZimbabwe
| | - Adrian Chikeya
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR)HarareZimbabwe
| | - Juliet Mufuka
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR)HarareZimbabwe
| | - Frances Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR)HarareZimbabwe
- Department of International Public HealthLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Webster Mavhu
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR)HarareZimbabwe
- Department of International Public HealthLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
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11
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Mackworth-Young CRS, Bond V, Stangl AL, Chonta M, Wringe A. Coming of age with HIV: a temporal understanding of young women's experiences in Zambia. AIDS Care 2020; 33:159-166. [PMID: 31906703 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1709616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Young perinatally-infected women living with HIV in Zambia grew up alongside antiretroviral therapy (ART) roll-out and expanding prevention programmes. We used Bonnington's temporal framework to understand how HIV impacted the experiences of these women over time. Data were drawn from two sequential studies with a cohort of young women living with HIV: a qualitative study in 2014-16 and an ethnographic study in 2017-18. Data from workshops, in-depth interviews, participant observation and diaries were analysed thematically, guided by three temporalities within the framework: everyday, biographical and epochal time. In everyday time, repetitive daily treatment-taking reminded young women of their HIV status, affecting relationships and leading to secrecy with ART. In biographical time, past events including HIV disclosure, experiences of illness, and loss shaped present experiences and future aspirations. Lastly, in epochal time, the women's HIV infection and their survival were intimately interlinked with the history of ART availability. The epochal temporal understanding leads us to extend Reynolds Whyte's notion of "biogeneration" to conceptualise these women, whose experiences of living with HIV are enmeshed with their biosocial environment. Support groups for young women living with HIV should help them to process biographical events, as well as supporting their everyday needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance R S Mackworth-Young
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Social Science Department, Zambart, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Virginia Bond
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Social Science Department, Zambart, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Anne L Stangl
- International Center for Research on Women, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Alison Wringe
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Ritchwood TD, Ba A, Ingram L, Atujuna M, Marcus R, Ntlapo N, Oduro A, Bekker LG. Community perspectives of South African adolescents' experiences seeking treatment at local HIV clinics and how such clinics may influence engagement in the HIV treatment cascade: a qualitative study. AIDS Care 2020; 32:83-88. [PMID: 31402674 PMCID: PMC6883151 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1653442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite having the largest antiretroviral treatment (ART) program in the world, only 14% of South African adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) are on ART. The purpose of this study was to identify aspects of the clinic environment that either improve or inhibit ALWH's ability to engage in HIV care. We conducted fifty-nine semi-structured, in-depth interviews with ALWH (n = 20; 13-19 years of age), their caregivers (n = 19), and local stakeholders (n = 20) in Cape Town, South Africa. Data were coded and analyzed using inductive and deductive approaches to content analyses. Codes were grouped into positive and negative aspects of the HIV clinic environment, and into suggestions on how clinic practices could be improved to facilitate ALWH treatment retention and ART adherence. Positive clinic factors included: community co-location; familiarity with clinic staff; and adolescent only/adolescent-friendly clinic spaces. Negative clinic factors included: clinic visit frequency; overcrowding and long wait times; discrimination and stigma; lack of confidentiality; inflexible appointment-scheduling; and staff attitudes. ALWHs' clinic experiences affect their ability to remain in care and adhere to their treatment regimens. These findings support a call for innovative approaches that improve ALWH's clinic experiences and support them as they progress along the HIV treatment cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiarney D Ritchwood
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aissatou Ba
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Millicent Atujuna
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Institute of Infectious Disease, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Marcus
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Institute of Infectious Disease, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Noluthando Ntlapo
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Institute of Infectious Disease, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Asantewa Oduro
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Institute of Infectious Disease, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Institute of Infectious Disease, Cape Town, South Africa
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13
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Perceived Stigma and Fear of Unintended Disclosure are Barriers in Medication Adherence in Adolescents with Perinatal HIV in Botswana: A Qualitative Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:9623159. [PMID: 31886271 PMCID: PMC6914939 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9623159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Maintaining optimal adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is a challenge for adolescents with perinatally HIV (ALPHIV), and there is little consensus on what factors contribute to adherence in this population. This study assessed self-reported medication adherence among ALPHIV and explored structural factors that hinder or motivate them to adhere. Methods This qualitative study used in-depth interviews with ALPHIV at the infectious disease control centre of a teaching hospital in Botswana. Thirty adolescents aged 12–19 years who were aware of their HIV status were recruited purposively. Transcribed interviews were analysed using the thematic approach and NVivo data analysis software. Findings Nonadherence was a problem across age groups and gender. Perceived stigma was a major barrier to ART adherence. The fear of stigma and unintended disclosure were more pronounced in those attending boarding school. The adolescents were not willing to take medication in front of roommates and outside of the home. They opted for hiding and taking medication in privacy which led to missed doses. The heightened fear of being seen collecting ART medication affected keeping appointments for clinic visits. Fear of stigma also influenced the choice of action when there was a clash between school activities, dosing times, and scheduled clinic appointments for ART refill. The home environment was the main facilitator for adherence. Support was the strongest motivator for adolescents to adhere and keep up with clinic visits. On a personal level, the desire to be healthy and live long was a major motivator to adhere. Conclusions The fear of stigma shaped the adolescents' adherence behaviour. Perceived stigma affected the time and place to take medication, the visit to the clinic for ART refill, and self-disclosure of HIV status. There is need to encourage adolescents to self-disclose their HIV status to friends since the fear of unintended disclosure fuelled perceived stigma. Planning of clinic appointments should also be consistent with realistic daily activities of adolescents.
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14
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Klingberg S, King R, Seeley J, Lubwama R, Namuganga M, Nabiryo B, Etima M, Musoke P, Butler LM. Courage and confidence to stop lying: caregiver perspectives on a video to support paediatric HIV disclosure in Kampala, Uganda. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2019; 17:273-279. [PMID: 30355059 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2018.1521850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that HIV-positive children are told their diagnosis by age 12 years. However, most perinatally-infected children reach adolescence without being told their HIV status. Effective strategies are needed to promote disclosure, and optimise children's health outcomes as they transition to adolescence and adulthood. This qualitative study explored how caregivers of HIV-positive children aged 7-12 years perceived and related to a video used as part of a larger behavioural intervention to promote full disclosure to children by age 12 years. Eight semi-structured interviews and 3 group reflection sessions with 28 caregivers were analysed thematically. Five themes were generated: courage and confidence; reasoning and empathy; child- caregiver relationship; foreign but relatable; and not reaching everyone. The video was found acceptable and appropriate for fostering readiness to disclose. Through watching it, participants reported they could see people similar to themselves prevail despite challenges, which gave them courage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Klingberg
- a Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit & UK Clinical Research Collaboration Centre for Diet and Activity Research , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom.,b Medical Research Council/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine , Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Rachel King
- c Global Health Sciences , University of California , San Francisco , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Janet Seeley
- d Department of Global Health and Development , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom.,e Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute , Uganda Research Unit on Aids , Entebbe , Uganda
| | - Resty Lubwama
- f Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Margaret Namuganga
- f Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Barbara Nabiryo
- f Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Monica Etima
- f Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Philippa Musoke
- f Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration , Kampala , Uganda.,g Department of Paediatrics and Child Health , Makerere University , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Lisa M Butler
- h Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy , University of Connecticut , Storrs , Connecticut
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15
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Bernays S, Paparini S, Namukwaya S, Seeley J. A Failed Method? Reflections on Using Audio Diaries in Uganda With Young People Growing Up With HIV in the BREATHER Trial. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:719-730. [PMID: 30499374 DOI: 10.1177/1049732318813534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we present a case study in which we consider our use of the audio diary method with young people (aged 10-24) living with HIV in Uganda in a longitudinal qualitative study conducted in a clinical randomized control trial. Despite initial enthusiasm for the method among participants to capture accounts of participants' experiences outside of the confines of the HIV clinic, the constraints the young people encountered in accessing sufficient privacy to confidently make recordings meant that no one elected to use them again in the study. Despite the insights the use of the method generated, the lack of acceptability led to its relative failure. This demonstrates that despite the call for innovation, there is an unwavering necessity when selecting methods that they align with the needs and preferences of our participants and with an attentive assessment of the local context in which illness narratives are produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bernays
- 1 University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sara Paparini
- 2 Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Janet Seeley
- 3 Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- 4 London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Ammon N, Mason S, Corkery JM. Factors impacting antiretroviral therapy adherence among human immunodeficiency virus-positive adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Public Health 2018; 157:20-31. [PMID: 29501984 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Eighty-two percent of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive adolescents live in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART), adherence levels are suboptimal, leading to poor outcomes. This systematic review investigated factors impacting ART adherence among adolescents in SSA, including religious beliefs and intimate relationships. METHODS A systematic review was conducted between June and August 2016 using eight electronic databases, including Cochrane and PubMed. Published, ongoing and unpublished research, conducted in SSA from 2004 to 2016, was identified and thematic analysis was used to summarise findings. RESULTS Eleven studies from eight SSA countries, published in English between 2011 and 2016, reported on factors impacting ART adherence among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). Forty-four barriers and 29 facilitators to adherence were identified, representing a complex web of factors. The main barriers were stigma, ART side-effects, lack of assistance and forgetfulness. Facilitators included caregiver support, peer support groups and knowledge of HIV status. CONCLUSIONS Stigma reflects difficult relations between ALHIV and their HIV-negative peers and adults. Most interventions target only those with HIV, suggesting a policy shift towards the wider community could be beneficial. Recommendations include engaging religious leaders and schools to change negative societal attitudes. Limitations of the review include the urban settings and recruitment of predominantly vertically infected participants in most included studies. Therefore, the findings cannot be extrapolated to ALHIV residing in rural locations or horizontally infected ALHIV, highlighting the need for further research in those areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ammon
- Picturing Health, PO Box 122, Zomba, Malawi.
| | - S Mason
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, UK.
| | - J M Corkery
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, UK.
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17
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Mackworth-Young CR, Bond V, Wringe A, Konayuma K, Clay S, Chiiya C, Chonta M, Sievwright K, Stangl AL. "My mother told me that I should not": a qualitative study exploring the restrictions placed on adolescent girls living with HIV in Zambia. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 20. [PMID: 29219248 PMCID: PMC5810345 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adolescent girls in sub‐Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected by HIV due to a range of social and structural factors. As they transition to adulthood, they are recipients of increasing blame for HIV infection and ‘improper’ sex, as well as increasing scrutiny, restrictions and surveillance. This study used a qualitative and participatory approach to explore the messaging and restrictions imposed on adolescent girls living with HIV in Zambia. Methods Thirty‐four in‐depth interviews and four participatory workshops were carried out with 24 adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years old living with HIV in Lusaka, Zambia. Key themes explored included experiences living with HIV, finding out about HIV status, disclosure, experiences with antiretroviral treatment, and support needs. Data were organized, coded and analysed using a grounded theory approach to thematic analysis. This analysis uses data on participants’ experiences of living with HIV and their interactions with their parents, guardians and healthcare providers. Results Family and healthcare providers, partly in a quest to protect both the health of adolescent girls living with HIV and also to protect them from blaming discourse, imposed restrictions on their behaviour around three main topics: don't disclose your HIV status, don't have sex, and don't miss your medicines. These restrictions were often delivered using tactics of fear, and usually disconnected from other options. Participants responded to these messages in several ways, including internalizing the messages, changing their behaviour either to comply with or resist the restrictions, by remaining silent and anxious when restrictions were broken, and developing concerns around their own health and sexual and reproductive aspirations. Participants also sometimes experiencing stigma when restrictions could not be maintained. Conclusions Restrictive messages were delivered to adolescent girls living with HIV through the broader social discourses of stigma, religion, and global and local narratives about HIV. Programmes aiming to support adolescent girls living with HIV need to work together with parents and healthcare providers to reflect on the impact of sanctioning messages, and to encourage more enabling and empowering messaging for adolescent girls living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Rs Mackworth-Young
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Social Science Department, Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Virginia Bond
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Social Science Department, Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Alison Wringe
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sue Clay
- 3Cs Regional Consultants, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | - Anne L Stangl
- International Center for Research on Women, Washington, DC, USA
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Namukwaya S, Paparini S, Seeley J, Bernays S. "How Do We Start? And How Will They React?" Disclosing to Young People with Perinatally Acquired HIV in Uganda. Front Public Health 2017; 5:343. [PMID: 29326918 PMCID: PMC5733349 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite great advances in pediatric HIV care, rates and the extent of full disclosure of HIV status to infected children remain low especially in resource-constrained setting. The World Health Organisation recommends that, by the age of 10–12 years old, children should be made fully aware of their HIV-positive status. However, this awareness is often delayed until much later in their adolescence. Few studies have been conducted to investigate what influences caregivers’ decision-making process in this regard in low-income settings. In this article, we present an analysis of care dyads of caregivers and HIV-positive young people in Kampala, Uganda, as part of the findings of a longitudinal qualitative study about young people’s adherence to antiretroviral therapy embedded in an international clinical trial (BREATHER). Repeat in-depth interviews were conducted with 26 young people living with HIV throughout the course of the trial, and once-off interviews with 16 of their caregivers were also carried out toward the end of the trial. In this article, we examine why and how caregivers decide to disclose a young person’s HIV status to them and explore their feelings and dilemmas toward disclosure, as well as how young people reacted and the influence it had on their relationships with and attitudes toward their caregivers. Caregivers feared the consequences of disclosing the young person’s positive status to them and disclosure commonly occurred hurriedly in response to a crisis, rather than as part of an anticipated and planned process. A key impediment to disclosure was that caregivers feared that disclosing would damage their relationships with the young people and commonly used this as a reason to continue to postpone disclosure. However, young people did not report prolonged feelings of blame or anger toward their caregivers about their own infection, but they did express frustration at the delay and obfuscation surrounding the disclosure process. Our findings can inform the ways in which mainstream HIV services support caregivers through the disclosure process. This includes providing positive encouragement to disclose fully and to be more confident in initiating and sustaining the timely process of disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Namukwaya
- Medical Research Council (MRC), Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Sara Paparini
- Anthropology and Sociology of Development, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Janet Seeley
- Medical Research Council (MRC), Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda.,Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Bernays
- Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Predictors of Virologic Failure on First-line Antiretroviral Therapy Among Children in a Referral Pediatric Center in Cameroon. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2017; 36:1067-1072. [PMID: 28661967 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000001672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suboptimal response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is common among children living with HIV (CLHIV) in resource-limited settings. We sought to assess virologic failure (VF), time for switching to second-line regimens and factors associated with VF in CLHIV receiving first-line ART in Cameroon. METHODS An observational cohort study was conducted in 375 CLHIV initiating a first-line ART and treated for ≥6 months at the National Social Insurance Fund Hospital in Yaoundé-Cameroon from 2009 to 2013. Using logistic regression, predictors of VF and delayed switch were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Overall, 17% (64/375) CLHIV experienced VF on first-line ART after a median time of 28 (interquartile range: 22-38) months. After VF, median time to switching from first- to second-line ART was 20 (interquartile range: 8-24) months. In multivariate analysis, VF was associated with male gender (adjusted odds ratio: 0.36; 95% confidence interval: 0.19-0.71; P = 0.003), motherless children (adjusted odds ratio: 2.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.3-6.06; P = 0.005) and treatment with stavudine-containing compared with zidovudine-containing regimens (P = 0.022). Overall, male gender, orphanhood (motherless) and treatment with stavudine-containing regimens predicted VF at a rate of 70% (area under curve =0.70). CONCLUSION VF on first-line pediatric ART is common, and switching children failing first-line to second-line ART is considerably delayed. These results suggest performance of pediatric ART program can be improved by targeting orphans, adapting counseling for male children, complete phasing-out of stavudine and ensuring timely switch to second-line regimens.
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Luseno WK, Iritani B, Zietz S, Maman S, Mbai II, Otieno F, Ongili B, Hallfors DD. Experiences along the HIV care continuum: perspectives of Kenyan adolescents and caregivers. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH : AJAR 2017; 16:241-250. [PMID: 28978294 PMCID: PMC6138248 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1365089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To be effective, HIV programmes should be responsive to the unique needs of diverse groups of infected adolescents. We highlight a range of adolescent perspectives on HIV services, including those who acquired HIV perinatally or sexually and those who were either in care, had dropped out of care, or had never enrolled in care. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 adolescents (aged 15-19) and 14 caregivers in western Kenya. Data were analysed using a descriptive analytical approach. Adolescents who were successfully linked had a supportive adult present during diagnosis; tested during hospitalisation or treatment for a recurrent or severe illness; and initiated treatment soon after diagnosis. Barriers to retention included side effects from HIV drugs, pill burden, and limited access to clean water and nutritious food. Support in family, school, and health facility environments was key for diagnosis, linkage, and retention. We make recommendations that may improve adolescent engagement in HIV services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie K. Luseno
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), 101 Conner Dr., Ste 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Bonita Iritani
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), 101 Conner Dr., Ste 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Susannah Zietz
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), 101 Conner Dr., Ste 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- University of North Carolina, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Chapel Hill, 27599
| | - Suzanne Maman
- University of North Carolina, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Chapel Hill, 27599
| | | | | | | | - Denise Dion Hallfors
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), 101 Conner Dr., Ste 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
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Bernays S, Paparini S, Seeley J, Rhodes T. "Not Taking it Will Just be Like a Sin": Young People Living with HIV and the Stigmatization of Less-Than-Perfect Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy. Med Anthropol 2017; 36:485-499. [PMID: 28379042 DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2017.1306856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Global health priorities are being set to address questions on adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy in adolescence. Few studies have explored young people's perspectives on the complex host of social and relational challenges they face in dealing with their treatment in secret and their condition in silence. In redressing this, we present findings from a longitudinal qualitative study with young people living with HIV in the UK, Ireland, US, and Uganda, embedded within the BREATHER international clinical trial. Drawing from Goffman's notion of stigma, we analyze relational dynamics in HIV clinics, as rare spaces where HIV is "known," and how young people's relationships may be threatened by non-adherence to treatment. Young people's reflections on and strategies for maintaining their reputation as patients raise questions about particular forms of medicalization of HIV and the moralization of treatment adherence that affect them, and how these may restrict opportunities for care across the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bernays
- a School of Public Health , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.,b London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom
| | - Sara Paparini
- b London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom.,c Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Janet Seeley
- d Medical Research Council , Uganda Virus Research Institute , Entebbe , Uganda
| | - Tim Rhodes
- b London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom
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Bernays S, Paparini S, Seeley J, Namukwaya Kihika S, Gibb D, Rhodes T. Qualitative study of the BREATHER trial (Short Cycle antiretroviral therapy): is it acceptable to young people living with HIV? BMJ Open 2017; 7:e012934. [PMID: 28213595 PMCID: PMC5318557 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A qualitative study of the BREATHER (PENTA 16) randomised clinical trial, which compared virological control of Short Cycle Therapy (SCT) (5 days on: 2 days off) with continuous efavirenz (EFV)-based antiretroviral therapy (CT) in children and young people (aged 8-24) living with HIV with viral load <50 c/mL to examine adaptation, acceptability and experience of SCT to inform intervention development. SETTING Paediatric HIV clinics in the UK (2), Ireland (1), the USA (1) and Uganda (1). PARTICIPANTS All BREATHER trial participants who were over the age of 10 and aware of their HIV diagnosis were invited to participate. 49 young people from both arms of the BREATHER trial (31 females and 18 males; 40% of the total trial population in the respective sites; age range 11-24) gave additional consent to participate in the qualitative study. RESULTS Young people from both trial arms had initial concerns about the impact of SCT on their health and adherence, but these decreased over the early months in the trial. Young people randomised to SCT reported preference for SCT compared with CT pre-trial. Attitudes to SCT did not vary greatly by gender or country. Once short-term adaptation challenges were overcome, SCT was positively described as reducing impact of side effects, easing the pressure to carry and remember medication and enabling more weekend social activities. Young people on both arms reported frequent medication side effects and occasional missed doses that they had rarely voiced to clinical staff. Participants liked SCT by trial end but were concerned that peers who had most problems adhering could find SCT disruptive and difficult to manage. CONCLUSIONS To realise the potential of SCT (and mitigate possible risks of longer interruptions), careful dissemination and communication post-trial is needed. SCT should be provided alongside a package of monitoring, support and education over 3 months to allow adaptation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT 01641016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bernays
- Facultyof Public Health Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sara Paparini
- Facultyof Public Health Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Facultyof Public Health Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Social Science Programme, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Diana Gibb
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London, UK
| | - Tim Rhodes
- Facultyof Public Health Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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