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Nxumalo N, Janse van Rensburg Z, Jacobs W. Exploring the experiences of school-going children with HIV in Eswatini: A qualitative inquiry. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2024; 16:e1-e9. [PMID: 38949441 PMCID: PMC11220093 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v16i1.4472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major disease in children, affecting an estimated 1.8 million children and adolescents worldwide. Eswatini has the highest prevalence of HIV in the world. Only 76% of children in Eswatini are on anti-retroviral treatment. AIM This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of school-going children with HIV in Eswatini. Being aware of these children's experiences can assist schools in supporting them. SETTING The study was conducted in four primary health care facilities in Eswatini. METHODS Employing a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive research design, 12 school-going children with HIV were interviewed through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The data were coded, categorised and clustered into themes and sub-themes using Georgi's data analysis. Ethical considerations and measures to ensure trustworthiness were adhered to throughout the study. RESULTS The findings revealed three themes: Experiences after HIV disclosure, experience of disclosure and discrimination, and experience of desire to fulfil educational needs. Six sub-themes were identified: A feeling of sadness and worry relating to knowledge of HIV diagnosis, a desire to disclose their status to their teachers but not to their peers, a need for protection against discrimination, a desire to learn, illness affecting their learning and expectation for teachers to be supportive in their educational needs.Conclusion and contribution: The findings of the study guided recommendations that may assist, the Eswatini Ministry of Health, schools, parents and caregivers, and siblings to support school-going children with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nomathemba Nxumalo
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; and, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eswatini, Mbabane.
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Poku OB, Ahmed A, Liotta L, Kluisza L, Robbins RN, Abrams EJ, Mellins CA. "We did more than survive": lessons learned from studies of risk and resilience of young people growing up with HIV and mental health needs. AIDS Care 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38446048 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2308745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Despite advances in HIV-treatment, adolescents and young adults (AYA) with HIV (AYAHIV) face myriad challenges. They are less likely than children and older adults to be virally suppressed and are at higher risk for mental health conditions compared to their peers who do not have HIV. AYA are also developing in the context of numerous biomedical, neurocognitive, and psychosocial developmental changes. Normative challenges during this time can be exacerbated by HIV and can result in significant physical and mental health problems. Yet, many AYAHIV have shown resilience with positive assets and resources and few health or mental health problems. Historically research has had a risk-focused approach to understanding AYAHIV needs. This paper discusses the rationale for a shift from a risk-focused only approach to one that examines AYAHIV needs from both a risk and resilience perspective. This paper presents: (1) epidemiological data on AYAHIV; (2) conceptual models for understanding both risk (e.g., poverty, stress, trauma, limited resources) and resilience/protective factors (e.g., family and peer support, future orientation, problem-solving skills); (3) global data examining risk and protective factors for physical and mental health challenges; and (4) promising interventions that incorporate elements of resilience to improve overall outcomes among AYAHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohemaa B Poku
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Afifa Ahmed
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lucy Liotta
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luke Kluisza
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Reuben N Robbins
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health and Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Claude A Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Kizito S, Nabayinda J, Kiyingi J, Neilands TB, Namuwonge F, Namatovu P, Nabunya P, Bahar OS, Ssentumbwe V, Magorokosho N, Ssewamala FM. The Impact of an Economic Strengthening Intervention on Academic Achievement Among Adolescents Living with HIV: Findings from the Suubi + Adherence Cluster-Randomized Trial in Uganda (2012-2018). AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1013-1023. [PMID: 36048290 PMCID: PMC9974578 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03838-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
We examined the impact of a family-based economic strengthening intervention on school dropout and repeating a class among ALWHIV in Uganda. In this cluster-randomized trial (2012-2018) conducted in 39 clinics, we recruited adolescents aged 10-16 years living with HIV. We included data from 613 adolescents. We plotted a Kaplan Meier survival curve and fitted Cox proportional hazards models to test the effect of the economic strengthening intervention on school dropout. The incidence of school dropout was 13.0% and 9.6% in the control and intervention groups, respectively. Also, economic empowerment reduced the risk of school dropout, aHR = 0.68 (95% CI 0.52-0.88), p-value 0.004. In other words, participants in the intervention group had 32% reduced hazards of dropping out of school. Also, increasing age aHR = 1.54 (95% CI 1.42-1.66), p-value < 0.001 and double orphanhood aHR = 0.67 (95% CI 0.47-0.96) p-value 0.030 increased the risks for dropping out of school. The intervention was not efficacious in reducing the rates of repeating a class. The intervention offered the ALWHIV an opportunity to live a productive adult life. More research is required on these kinds of interventions intended to keep ALWHIV and those impacted by HIV in school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kizito
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Josephine Nabayinda
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Joshua Kiyingi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Vicent Ssentumbwe
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Natasja Magorokosho
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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Sherr L, Haag K, Steventon Roberts KJ, Cluver LD, Wittesaele C, Saliwe B, Tolmay J, Langwenya N, Jochim J, Saal W, Zhou S, Marlow M, Chen-Charles JJ, Toska E. The development of children born to young mothers with no, first- or second-generation HIV acquisition in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058340. [PMID: 36229140 PMCID: PMC9562751 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intergenerational effects of HIV require long-term investigation. We compared developmental outcomes of different generations impacted by HIV-children of mothers not living with HIV, the 'second generation' (ie, with recently infected mothers) and the 'third generation' (ie, children of perinatally infected mothers). METHODS A cross-sectional community sample of N=1015 young mothers (12-25 years) and their first children (2-68 months, 48.2% female), from South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. 71.3% (n=724) of children were born to mothers not living with HIV; 2.7% (n=27; 1 living with HIV) were third-generation and 26.0% (n=264; 11 living with HIV) second-generation children. Child scores on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL), the WHO Ten Questions Screen for Disability and maternal demographics were compared between groups using χ2 tests and univariate approach, analysis of variance analysis. Hierarchical linear regressions investigated predictive effects of familial HIV infection patterns on child MSEL composite scores, controlling for demographic and family environment variables. RESULTS Second-generation children performed poorer on gross (M=47.0, SD=13.1) and fine motor functioning (M=41.4, SD=15.2) and the MSEL composite score (M=90.6, SD=23.0) than children with non-infected mothers (gross motor: M=50.4, SD=12.3; fine motor: M=44.4, SD=14.1; composite score: M=94.1, SD=20.7). The third generation performed at similar levels to non-exposed children (gross motor: M=52.4, SD=16.1; fine motor: M=44.3, SD=16.1, composite score: M=94.7, SD=22.2), though analyses were underpowered for definite conclusions. Hierarchical regression analyses suggest marginal predictive effects of being second-generation child compared with having a mother not living with HIV (B=-3.3, 95% CI=-6.8 to 0 .1) on MSEL total scores, and non-significant predictive effects of being a third-generation child (B=1.1, 5% CI=-7.5 to 9.7) when controlling for covariates. No group differences were found for disability rates (26.9% third generation, 27.7% second generation, 26.2% non-exposed; χ2=0.02, p=0.90). CONCLUSION Recently infected mothers and their children may struggle due to the disruptiveness of new HIV diagnoses and incomplete access to care/support during pregnancy and early motherhood. Long-standing familial HIV infection may facilitate care pathways and coping, explaining similar cognitive development among not exposed and third-generation children. Targeted intervention and fast-tracking into services may improve maternal mental health and socioeconomic support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Kathryn J Steventon Roberts
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lucie Dale Cluver
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Camille Wittesaele
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Bongiwe Saliwe
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Janke Tolmay
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Nontokozo Langwenya
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Janina Jochim
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wylene Saal
- School of Humanities, Sol Plaatje University, Kimberly, South Africa
| | - Siyanai Zhou
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Marguerite Marlow
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | | | - Elona Toska
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
- Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
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Moscibrodzki P, Enane LA, Hoddinott G, Brooks MB, Byron V, Furin J, Seddon JA, Meyersohn L, Chiang SS. The Impact of Tuberculosis on the Well-Being of Adolescents and Young Adults. Pathogens 2021; 10:1591. [PMID: 34959546 PMCID: PMC8706072 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The health needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) have been neglected in tuberculosis (TB) care, control, and research. AYAs, who are distinct from younger children and older adults, undergo dynamic physical, psychological, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Five domains of adolescent well-being are crucial to a successful transition between childhood and adulthood: (1) Good health; (2) connectedness and contribution to society; (3) safety and a supportive environment; (4) learning, competence, education, skills, and employability; and (5) agency and resilience. This review summarizes the evidence of the impact of TB disease and treatment on these five domains of AYA well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Moscibrodzki
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Leslie A. Enane
- The Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Graeme Hoddinott
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (G.H.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Meredith B. Brooks
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.B.B.); (V.B.); (J.F.)
| | - Virginia Byron
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.B.B.); (V.B.); (J.F.)
| | - Jennifer Furin
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.B.B.); (V.B.); (J.F.)
- Sentinel Project on Pediatric Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - James A. Seddon
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (G.H.); (J.A.S.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Lily Meyersohn
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (L.M.); (S.S.C.)
| | - Silvia S. Chiang
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (L.M.); (S.S.C.)
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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