1
|
Zamudio-Haas S, Mahaka I, Chapwanya G, Dunbar MS, Lightfoot M. "I am still human and worth a life:" a qualitative study of the impacts of a community based, peer-led, treatment support model for young adults living with HIV in Zimbabwe. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1367584. [PMID: 38721533 PMCID: PMC11078516 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1367584] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background A persistent treatment gap remains between children and adults living with HIV. The Zvandiri program, developed by Africaid, is one of the few models of differentiated service delivery for children, adolescents, and youth that has been shown to improve outcomes along the HIV care continuum, employing Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters (CATS) to offer peer counseling and patient navigation. Our qualitative study provides an in-depth analysis of the feelings and experiences Zimbabwean youth had following an HIV diagnosis, and the ways that CATS facilitated linkage and retention in care. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews in Shona with adolescents and young adults who were recently diagnosed with HIV in Zimbabwe. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and then translated to English. Interviews were coded in Dedoose using a structured a priori codebook. We wrote semi-structured summary memos for each interview. We co-conducted thematic analysis, guided by interpretive phenomenology with a team of Zimbabwean and American experienced qualitative researchers and community partners. We co-developed memos to elaborate and understand key themes across interviews. Results Most of our interview participants recounted an immediate sense of loss upon testing HIV positive and a fear that "there was no hope for the future." CATS played a pivotal role for youth, providing emotional, educational, and logistical support to facilitate treatment initiation, adherence, and persistence in care. The CATS program supported youth through multiple approaches: group sessions, individual meetings, and via text or phone. While CATS offered counseling and comfort to participants, they emphasized the long-term importance of identifying at least one other person in participants' lives who could know their status and support them around HIV. Conclusion Our findings delineate some of the key concerns that face youth after receiving an HIV diagnosis and the ways that a community-based adherence peer navigation program supported participants to navigate both their feelings and the health care system. Results can inform practice at community-based agencies that are implementing or considering peer youth navigation programs and garner support for policy to fund interventions for youth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Zamudio-Haas
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Marguerita Lightfoot
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Njuguna I, Mugo C, Mbwayo A, Augusto O, Wamalwa D, Inwani I. Gaps and Opportunities for Strengthening In-School Support for Youth Living With HIV. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2024; 94:178-183. [PMID: 37919544 PMCID: PMC10790302 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With optimized antiretroviral treatment youth living with HIV (YLH) now spend most of their time in schools, making schools an important venue to optimize outcomes. We evaluated school support for YLH. METHODS We conducted surveys with public secondary/high schools in 3 Kenyan counties (Nairobi, Homa Bay, and Kajiado) to determine policies and training related to HIV. Chi-squared tests and Poisson regression were used to compare policy availability and staff training by county HIV prevalence and school type. RESULTS Of 512 schools in the 3 counties, we surveyed 100. The majority (60%) of schools surveyed had boarding facilities. The median student population was 406 (IQR: 200, 775). Only half (49%) of schools had medication use policies; more in boarding than day schools (65% vs 30%, p = .003). While most schools (82%) had clinic attendance policies; policy availability was higher in higher HIV prevalence counties (Homa Bay [100%], Nairobi [82%], Kajiado [56%], p < .05). Overall, 64% had confidentiality policies with higher policy availability in higher HIV prevalence regions (p < .05). Few schools had staff trained in HIV-related topics: HIV prevention (37%), HIV treatment (18%), HIV stigma reduction (36%). Few were trained in confidentiality (41%), psychosocial support (40%), or mental health (26%). Compared to day schools, boarding school were more likely to have staff trained in HIV prevention (prevalence ratio: 2.1 [95% confidence interval 1.0, 4.0], p = .037). CONCLUSION In this survey of Kenyan schools, there were notable gaps in HIV care policy availability and training, despite high HIV burden. Development and implementation of national school HIV policies and staff training as well as strengthening clinic and family support may improve outcomes for YLH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Njuguna
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Cyrus Mugo
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Anne Mbwayo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi P.O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Dalton Wamalwa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi P.O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Irene Inwani
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kose J, Howard T, Lenz C, Masaba R, Akuno J, Woelk G, Fraaij PL, Rakhmanina N. Experiences of adolescents and youth with HIV testing and linkage to care through the Red Carpet Program (RCP) in Kenya. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296786. [PMID: 38241210 PMCID: PMC10798534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescents and youth living with HIV (AYLHIV) experience worse health outcomes compared to adults. We aimed to understand the experiences of AYLHIV in care in the youth-focused Red-Carpet program in Kenya to assess the quality of service provision and identify programmatic areas for optimization. We conducted focus group discussions among 39 AYLHIV (15-24 years) and structured analysis into four thematic areas. Within the HIV testing theme, participants cited fear of positive results, confidentiality and stigma concerns, and suggested engaging the community and youth in HIV testing opportunities. Within the HIV treatment adherence theme, participants cited forgetfulness, stigma, adverse side effects, lack of family support, and treatment illiteracy as barriers to adherence. Most participants reported positive experiences with healthcare providers and peer support. In terms of the HIV status disclosure theme, AYLHIV cited concerns about their future capacity to conceive children and start families and discussed challenges with understanding HIV health implications and sharing their status with friends and partners. Youth voices informing service implementation are essential in strengthening our capacity to optimize the support for AYLHIV within the community, at schools and healthcare facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Kose
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tyriesa Howard
- Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Cosima Lenz
- Technical Strategy and Innovation, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Rose Masaba
- Country Program, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Job Akuno
- Country Program, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Godfrey Woelk
- Research Department, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Pieter Leendert Fraaij
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Erasmus MC-Sophia/ Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Natella Rakhmanina
- Technical Strategy and Innovation, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, United States of America
- The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Akama EO, Beres LK, Kulzer JL, Ontuga G, Adhiambo H, Bushuru S, Nyagesoa E, Osoro J, Opondo I, Sang N, Oketch B, Nyanga J, Osongo CO, Nyandieka E, Ododa E, Omondi E, Ochieng F, Owino C, Odeny T, Kwena ZA, Eshun-Wilson I, Petersen M, Bukusi EA, Geng EH, Abuogi LL. A youth-centred approach to improving engagement in HIV services: human-centred design methods and outcomes in a research trial in Kisumu County, Kenya. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012606. [PMID: 38030226 PMCID: PMC10689376 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012606] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionInnovative interventions are needed to improve HIV outcomes among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with HIV. Engaging AYAs in intervention development could increase effectiveness and youth acceptance, yet research is limited. We applied human-centred design (HCD) to refine adherence-support interventions pretrial and assessed HCD workshop acceptability. METHODS We applied an iterative, four-phased HCD process in Kenya that included: (1) systematic review of extant knowledge, (2) prioritisation of design challenges, (3) a co-creation workshop and (4) translation tables to pair insights with trial intervention adaptations. The co-creation workshop was co-led by youth facilitators employing participatory activities to inform intervention adaptations. Iterative data analysis included rapid thematic analysis of visualised workshop outputs and notes using affinity mapping and dialogue to identify key themes. We conducted a survey to assess workshop acceptability among participants. RESULTS Twenty-two participants engaged in the 4-day workshop. Co-creation activities yielded recommendations for improving planned interventions (eg, message frequency and content; strategies to engage hard-to-reach participants), critical principles to employ across interventions (eg, personalisation, AYA empowerment) and identification of unanticipated AYA HIV treatment priorities (eg, drug holidays, transition from adolescent to adult services). We revised intervention content, peer navigator training materials and study inclusion criteria in response to findings. The youth-led HCD workshop was highly acceptable to participants. CONCLUSIONS Research employing HCD among youth can improve interventions preimplementation through empathy, youth-led inquiry and real-time problem solving. Peer navigation may be most influential in improving retention when engagement with young people is based on mutual trust, respect, privacy and extends beyond HIV-specific support. Identifying opportunities for personalisation and adaptation within intervention delivery is important for AYAs. Patient engagement interventions that target young people should prioritise improved transition between youth and adult services, youth HIV status disclosure, AYA empowerment and healthcare worker responsiveness in interactions and episodic adherence interruptions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliud Omondi Akama
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Laura K Beres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jayne Lewis Kulzer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gladys Ontuga
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Harriet Adhiambo
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sarah Bushuru
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edwin Nyagesoa
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Osoro
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaya Opondo
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Norton Sang
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bertha Oketch
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Nyanga
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cirilus Ogollah Osongo
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES) Clinic, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Evelyn Nyandieka
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Evelyn Ododa
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eunice Omondi
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Felix Ochieng
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Clinton Owino
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Thomas Odeny
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Zachary Arochi Kwena
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Maya Petersen
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lisa L Abuogi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Armstrong-Mensah E, Ofori E, Alema-Mensah E, Agyarko-Poku T. HIV destigmatization: perspectives of people living with HIV in the Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1169216. [PMID: 37799493 PMCID: PMC10548132 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1169216] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related stigma has been identified as one of the principal factors that undermines HIV prevention efforts and the quality of life of people living with HIV (PLWH) in many developing countries including Ghana. While studies have been conducted on HIV-related stigma reduction, very few have sought the views of PLWH on how this might be done. The purpose of the study was to (i) identify factors that cause HIV-related stigma in Ghana from the perspective of PLWH, (ii) identify challenges that HIV-related stigma poses to the treatment and care of PLWH, and (iii) to obtain recommendations from PLWH on what they think various groups (community members, health care providers, and adolescents) including themselves should do to help reduce HIV-related stigma in Ghana. Methods A mixed methods cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 404 PLWH at the Suntreso Government Hospital in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana across six domains using Qualtrics from November 1-30, 2022. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 and the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.4. Qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic approach. Results Most of the study participants (70.5%) said HIV-related stigma in Ghana is due to ignorance. Of this population, 90.6% indicated that they had experienced stigma because they have HIV, causing them to feel depressed (2.5%), ashamed (2.2%), and hurt (3.0%). Study participants (92.8%) indicated that the challenges associated with HIV-related stigma has affected their treatment and care-seeking behaviors. Recommendations provided by study participants for HIV destigmatization include the need for PLWH not to disclose their status (cited 94 times), community members to educate themselves about HIV (96.5%), health care providers to identify their stigmatizing behaviors (95.3%), health care providers to avoid discriminating against PLWH (96.0%), and the need for adolescents to be educated on HIV and how it is transmitted (97.0%). Conclusion It is important for the government and HIV prevention agencies in Ghana to target and address co-occurring HIV-related stigma sources at various levels of intersection simultaneously This will help to shift harmful attitudes and behaviors that compromise the health and wellbeing of PLWH effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Armstrong-Mensah
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Emmanuel Ofori
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Thorp M, Ayieko J, Hoffman RM, Balakasi K, Camlin CS, Dovel K. Mobility and HIV care engagement: a research agenda. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26058. [PMID: 36943731 PMCID: PMC10029995 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mobility is common and an essential livelihood strategy in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Mobile people suffer worse outcomes at every stage of the HIV care cascade compared to non-mobile populations. Definitions of mobility vary widely, and research on the role of temporary mobility (as opposed to permanent migration) in HIV treatment outcomes is often lacking. In this article, we review the current landscape of mobility and HIV care research to identify what is already known, gaps in the literature, and recommendations for future research. DISCUSSION Mobility in SSA is closely linked to income generation, though caregiving, climate change and violence also contribute to the need to move. Mobility is likely to increase in the coming decades, both due to permanent migration and increased temporary mobility, which is likely much more common. We outline three central questions regarding mobility and HIV treatment outcomes in SSA. First, it is unclear what aspects of mobility matter most for HIV care outcomes and if high-risk mobility can be identified or predicted, which is necessary to facilitate targeted interventions for mobile populations. Second, it is unclear what groups are most vulnerable to mobility-associated treatment interruption and other adverse outcomes. And third, it is unclear what interventions can improve HIV treatment outcomes for mobile populations. CONCLUSIONS Mobility is essential for people living with HIV in SSA. HIV treatment programmes and broader health systems must understand and adapt to human mobility, both to promote the rights and welfare of mobile people and to end the HIV pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite Thorp
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - James Ayieko
- Center for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteKisumuKenya
| | - Risa M. Hoffman
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Carol S. Camlin
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology & Reproductive SciencesUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Center for AIDS Prevention StudiesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kathryn Dovel
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Partners in HopeLilongweMalawi
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mugo C, Kohler P, Kumar M, Badia J, Kibugi J, Wamalwa DC, Agot K, John-Stewart GC. Individual-, Interpersonal- and Institutional-Level Factors Associated with HIV Stigma Among Youth in Kenya. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-03982-9. [PMID: 36646929 PMCID: PMC9843110 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-03982-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
HIV stigma remains a barrier in achieving optimal HIV treatment. We studied the prevalence and predictors of HIV stigma among adolescents and youth with HIV (AYWHIV) ages 15-24 years in Western Kenya. Of 1011 AYWHIV, 69% were female with a median age of 18 years. Most (59%) attended adolescent clinic days, and 40% attended support groups. One-quarter (27%) had experienced physical, 18% emotional, and 7% sexual violence. The majority of AYWHIV (88%) reported disclosure concerns, 48% reported perceived community stigma, 36% experienced, and 24% internalized stigma. Compared to AYWHIV attending adolescent clinics, those in general/adult clinics had higher internalized stigma. Similarly, having dropped out of school was associated with higher internalized stigma. AYWHIV in sexual relationships had higher experienced stigma and disclosure concerns. Lastly, exposure to violence was associated with higher experienced, internalized, perceived community stigma and disclosure concerns. These risk factors can be targeted when developing stigma-prevention interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Mugo
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Hospital Road, P.O. Box 00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Pamela Kohler
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Manasi Kumar
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Hospital Road, P.O. Box 00202, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jacinta Badia
- Impact Research and Development Organization, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - James Kibugi
- Impact Research and Development Organization, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Dalton C Wamalwa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kawango Agot
- Impact Research and Development Organization, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Grace C John-Stewart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|