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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; 36:24-35. [PMID: 38446048 PMCID: PMC11283975 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2308745] [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: 08/15/2023] [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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Kabunga A, Nabasirye CK, Kigingo E, Namata H, Shikanga EM, Udho S, Auma AG, Nabaziwa J, Tumwesigye R, Musinguzi M, Okalo P, Acup W. HIV-Related Stigma Among Pregnant Adolescents: A Qualitative Study of Patient Perspectives in Southwestern Uganda. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2024; 16:217-227. [PMID: 38770109 PMCID: PMC11104363 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s463506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The HIV epidemic disproportionately affects adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa, with adolescent girls facing heightened vulnerability. Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy, HIV-related stigma remains prevalent, particularly among pregnant adolescents. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of adolescents living with HIV in southwestern Uganda, seeking to understand the nature of HIV-related stigma in this context. Methods One-on-one narrative interviews were conducted with 28 pregnant adolescents living with HIV aged 14-19 receiving care at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. The qualitative approach allowed for in-depth exploration of participants' experiences. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns in the narratives. Results Five overarching themes emerged from the analysis: Experiences of double stigma, social and cultural influences shaping stigma, healthcare system challenges, psychosocial impacts of stigma, and resilience and coping mechanisms. Double stigma, arising from societal prejudices related to both HIV status and teenage pregnancy, created a complex environment for participants. Despite these challenges, participants exhibited resilience through external support and internal strength. Conclusion This study reveals the pervasive double stigma experienced by pregnant adolescents living with HIV in southwestern Uganda, driven by societal biases against both HIV status and teenage pregnancy. Urgent targeted interventions are needed to address the intersectionality of stigma, cultural influences, healthcare issues, and psychosocial well-being for the betterment of this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Kabunga
- Department of Psychiatry, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | | | - Eustes Kigingo
- Department of Environmental Health and Disease Control, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Halimah Namata
- Department of Mental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Samson Udho
- Department of Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | | | - Jannat Nabaziwa
- Department of Community Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Raymond Tumwesigye
- Department of Nursing, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Uganda
| | - Marvin Musinguzi
- Department of Community Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Ponsiano Okalo
- Department of Psychiatry, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Walter Acup
- Department of Community Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
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Vincent W, Siconolfi DE, Pollack L, Campbell CK, Kegeles SM, Storholm ED. What's in Your Dataset? Measuring Engagement in HIV Care Using Routinely Administered Items with a Population Disproportionately Burdened by HIV. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1423-1434. [PMID: 38150065 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04229-3] [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: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the psychometric properties of a measure consisting of items that assess current HIV care continuum engagement based on established definitions in the United States. At baseline, participants in this longitudinal study, which included three time points from 2015 to 2020, were 331 young Black sexual minority men ages 18-29 living with HIV in the southern United States residing in two large southern cities. Self-report items reflected four aspects of HIV care continuum engagement as binary variables: seeing a healthcare provider for HIV care, being on antiretroviral treatment, being retained in HIV care, and being virally suppressed. Of these, the following three variables loaded onto a single factor in exploratory factor analysis: being on antiretroviral treatment, being retained in HIV care, and being virally suppressed. A one-dimensional factor structure was confirmed using confirmatory factor analyses at separate time points. Additionally, the three items collectively showed measurement invariance by age, education level, employment status, and income level. The three-item measure also showed reliability based on coefficient omega and convergent validity in its associations with indicators of socioeconomic distress, depression, resilience, and healthcare empowerment. In sum, the items performed well as a single scale. The study demonstrated the potential psychometric strength of simple, feasible, commonly administered items assessing engagement in the HIV care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Vincent
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Weiss Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
| | | | - Lance Pollack
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chadwick K Campbell
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Susan M Kegeles
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erik D Storholm
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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Vindevogel S, Kimera E. Social ecological resources for youths living with HIV in western Uganda. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1176754. [PMID: 37663350 PMCID: PMC10469007 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1176754] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The adversities faced by youths living with HIV (YLWH) are manifold, resulting not only from the health impact but also from society's response to HIV and the people living with it. This study sought to explore these youths' perceptions and representations of what promotes resilience. Methods Photovoice methodology was chosen to elicit first-person accounts that are grounded in lived experience and experiential knowledge. Eleven young people, boys and girls aged 14-21 living in western Uganda, participated in seven group sessions aimed at imagining, producing and discussing visual stories about what fosters resilience in the face of HIV-related adversity. The visual stories were subjected to inductive content analysis by the participants, and then thematically analyzed and interpreted by the researchers using the theoretical framework of social-ecological resilience. Results We found that participants experience well-being amidst HIV-related adversity through managing tensions in material resources, sense of identity, power and control in their lives, cultural adherence, relationships, sense of cohesion and social justice. Discussion The findings add to the body of knowledge on youth resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa by documenting multisystemic resources for YLWH in Ugandan communities. The findings further show that resources are highly incidental and situational, neither widely available nor structurally embedded in society. The study therefore informs the global HIV/AIDS agenda to spur ecologies of resilience around YLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Vindevogel
- Department of EQUALITY//Research Collective, Hogeschool Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Kimera
- Department of Public Health, Mountains of the Moon University, Fort Portal, Uganda
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Moraa H, Njuguna I, Mugo C, Mbwayo A, Nyapara F, Aballa C, Wagner AD, Wamalwa D, John-Stewart G, Inwani I, O'Malley G. "We can tell a good teacher who cares, understands, and can be confidential about it": youth and caregiver experiences with HIV disclosure to schools in Kenya. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1172431. [PMID: 37559743 PMCID: PMC10407401 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1172431] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Disclosure of one's HIV status to others is often difficult due to the fear of stigma. However, disclosure may facilitate receiving social support. Many youth living with HIV (YLH) are enrolled in school as better treatments have improved the health and survival of children with HIV. There is no structured process for disclosure at school for YLH and their caregivers. We sought to understand school disclosure experiences among YLH and their caregivers and assess the need for the development of a structured disclosure intervention tailored to school settings. Methods We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 28 school-going YLH aged 14-19 years and 24 caregivers of YLH. Interviews were conducted in English and Swahili, transcribed, and translated. The transcripts were uploaded to Atlas.ti 9 for thematic analysis. Results YLH and caregivers clearly articulated the benefits of disclosing to school staff. Disclosure to school staff was seen as the first step to receiving support for medication storage, adherence, and clinic attendance. However, disclosure was also perceived to be a very complicated and stressful process. Fear of stigma drove caregivers and YLH toward careful planning of when and to whom to disclose. Distrust of school staff was a significant barrier to disclosure, even among those who clearly articulated the benefits of disclosure. Disclosure to school staff largely resulted in positive experiences; the immediate reactions were positive or somewhat neutral and confidentiality was upheld. The anticipated benefits of practical and emotional support were demonstrated by the school staff to whom the HIV information was disclosed. Conclusion Disclosure of HIV status to someone at school is necessary to receive support for medication adherence. Stigma and the lack of structured support for the disclosure process at school often hinder YLH and their caregivers from disclosing. YLH would benefit from better support at schools, including policies to facilitate disclosure that address the caregiver and YLH's fear of stigma and loss of confidentiality. School policies could also provide guidance on whom to disclose to and available post-disclosure support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellen Moraa
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Irene Njuguna
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
- Departments of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Cyrus Mugo
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anne Mbwayo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Florence Nyapara
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Calvins Aballa
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anjuli Dawn Wagner
- Departments of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Dalton Wamalwa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Departments of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Irene Inwani
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gabrielle O'Malley
- Departments of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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