1
|
Da W, Zhang R, Zhou Y, Shen Z, Qiao S, Li X. Impact of children's age on parental HIV disclosure: a parental HIV disclosure intervention among parents living with HIV in China. AIDS Care 2024; 36:76-84. [PMID: 38289470 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2308744] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Parental HIV disclosure, where parents living with HIV (PLH) communicate their diagnosis to their children, is crucial for family communication. This study assessed intervention effects of a parental HIV disclosure intervention on psychosocial factors, focusing on child's age impact. Data from a randomized controlled trial involving 791 PLH in China were analyzed at baseline (W1), 6-month (W2), and 12-month follow-ups (W3). The study measured effects on psychosocial factors (HIV disclosure knowledge, outcome expectancy, action self-efficacy, and action planning) using the proportional latent change score method. Among PLH with children aged 6-9, the intervention yielded significant intervention effects on knowledge (β = 0.190, p = .004), action self-efficacy (β = 0.342, p = .001), and action planning (β = 0.389, p < .001) from W1 to W2. For PLH with children aged 10-12, the intervention significantly enhanced action self-efficacy (β = 0.162, p = .003) and action planning (β = 0.367, p = .001) from W1 to W2, but there was a reduction in perceived benefits (β = -0.175, p = 0.024) from W2 to W3. For PLH with children aged 13-15, significant intervention effects were observed on action planning, both from W1 to W2 (β = 0.251, p = .045) and from W2 to W3 (β = 0.321, p < .001). These findings highlight the importance of tailoring interventions to consider psychosocial factors and children's developmental stages to enhance HIV disclosure practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendi Da
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Ran Zhang
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Yuejiao Zhou
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Qiao
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Weidler EM, Suorsa-Johnson KI, Baskin AS, Fagerlin A, Gardner MD, Rutter MM, Schafer-Kalkhoff T, van Leeuwen K, Sandberg DE. "It became easier once I knew": Stakeholder perspectives for educating children and teenagers about their difference of sex development. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 113:107763. [PMID: 37087875 PMCID: PMC10268945 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107763] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Secrecy about a child's difference of sex development (DSD) can lead to internalized shame and stigma. We explored how teenagers and adults with DSD, parents, healthcare providers, and allied professionals value and perceive patient education. METHODS Stakeholders (n = 110) completed qualitative semi-structured interviews. Relevant themes for educational content were queried and organized. RESULTS Education was consistently identified as essential to successful outcomes. There was less consistency in how to educate patients. Disagreement existed regarding who should champion the education process. Participants believed medically relevant information should be shared gradually with attention to developmental capacity. Details were lacking regarding how much or what information to share. Participants noted that vetted resources were helpful. Benefits of sharing condition-specific information with patients included supporting their psychosocial development. Barriers included parental resistance to sharing information due to shame/stigma, and cultural and/or family dynamics. CONCLUSIONS Stakeholders' different perspectives regarding patient DSD education warrant future research to focus on the design, evaluation, and implementation of education-focused interventions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Healthcare providers are responsible for supporting the education of children and teenagers with DSD about their condition. When considering barriers, adopting a cultural or family systems framework can reduce parental resistance and promote open dialogue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Weidler
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, USA; Accord Alliance, USA
| | - Kristina I Suorsa-Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA.
| | - Alison S Baskin
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, USA
| | - Angela Fagerlin
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA; Veterans Administration Health Services Research and Development Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Veterans Administration Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Melissa D Gardner
- Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation & Research (CHEAR) Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Meilan M Rutter
- Accord Alliance, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Tara Schafer-Kalkhoff
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Kathleen van Leeuwen
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, USA; Accord Alliance, USA
| | - David E Sandberg
- Accord Alliance, USA; Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation & Research (CHEAR) Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA; Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mugo C, Firdawsi O, Wang J, Njuguna IN, Wamalwa DC, Slyker JA, John-Stewart GC, O'Malley G, Wagner AD. "When they are all grown, I will tell them": Experience and perceptions of parental self-disclosure of HIV status to children in Nairobi, Kenya. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:519. [PMID: 36932351 PMCID: PMC10024367 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15387-3] [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: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is mixed evidence on the influence of self-disclosure of one's HIV status on mental health, health behaviours and clinical outcomes. We studied the patterns of self-disclosure among parents living with HIV, and factors that influence parental disclosure. METHODS This mixed-methods study was among adults in HIV care participating in a study assessing the uptake of pediatric index-case testing. They completed a survey to provide demographic and HIV-related health information, and assess self-disclosure to partners, children and others. We ran generalized linear models to determine factors associated with disclosure and reported prevalence ratios (PR). Eighteen participants also participated in in-depth interviews to explore perceived barriers and facilitators of self-disclosure to one's child. A content analysis approach was used to analyze interview transcripts. RESULTS Of 493 caregivers, 238 (48%) had a child ≥ 6 years old who could potentially be disclosed to about their parent's HIV status. Of 238 participants, 205 (86%) were female, median age was 35 years, and 132 (55%) were in a stable relationship. Among those in a stable relationship, 96 (73%) knew their partner's HIV status, with 79 (60%) reporting that their partner was living with HIV. Caregivers had known their HIV status for a median 2 years, and the median age of their oldest child was 11 years old. Older caregiver age and older first born child's age were each associated with 10% higher likelihood of having disclosed to a child (PR: 1.10 [1.06-1.13] and PR: 1.10 [1.06-1.15], per year of age, respectively). The child's age or perceived maturity and fear of causing anxiety to the child inhibited disclosure. Child's sexual activity was a motivator for disclosure, as well as the belief that disclosing was the "right thing to do". Caregivers advocated for peer and counseling support to gain insight on appropriate ways to disclose their status. CONCLUSIONS Child's age is a key consideration for parents to disclose their own HIV status to their children. While parents were open to disclosing their HIV status to their children, there is a need to address barriers including anticipated stigma, and fear that disclosure will cause distress to their children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Mugo
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, 00202, Kenya.
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Olivia Firdawsi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jiayu Wang
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Irene N Njuguna
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, 00202, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Dalton C Wamalwa
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 359909, WA, 98104, Seattle, USA
| | - Jennifer A Slyker
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Grace C John-Stewart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, KE, 00202, USA
| | - Gabrielle O'Malley
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Anjuli D Wagner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rose AL, Jack HE, Wan C, Toloza E, Bhattiprolu K, Ragunathan M, Schwartz KT, Magidson JF. Implementing Task-Shared Child and Adolescent Psychological Interventions in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2022:1-16. [PMID: 36507739 PMCID: PMC10258230 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2022.2151450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Effective "task shared," or nonspecialist delivered, psychological interventions for children and adolescents have been developed or adapted in low- and middle-income countries with the aim of closing the global treatment gap for youth mental health care. Yet, delivery remains limited, in part due to the lack of knowledge of associated implementation, or process, outcomes. This scoping review aims to describe, examine the quality of, and synthesize findings on implementation outcomes of child and adolescent psychological interventions in low-and middle-income countries. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycInfo were searched for studies on child and adolescent psychological interventions in low- and middle-income countries reporting on implementation outcomes. After abstract and full-text review, data were extracted and summarized on implementation outcomes and quality of implementation outcomes reporting. Implementation barriers and recommendations for addressing barriers were also charted and narratively synthesized. RESULTS Out of 5,207 manuscripts, 86 met inclusion criteria. Younger children were underrepresented. Studies largely reported feasibility and acceptability and did not state hypotheses or use conceptual models. Barriers primarily related to interventions being too complex, not an acceptable fit with participant cultures, and facilitators lacking time for or experiencing distress delivering interventions. Recommendations focused on increasing intervention fit and flexibility, training and support for facilitators, and linkages with existing systems. CONCLUSIONS Rigorous, broader implementation outcomes research is needed within child and adolescent psychological intervention research in low-and middle-income countries. Current evidence suggests the importance of the further developing strategies to increase acceptability to participants and better support facilitators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L. Rose
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Helen E. Jack
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christine Wan
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Emilia Toloza
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Kavya Bhattiprolu
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Meera Ragunathan
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lightfoot M, Campbell R, Khumalo-Sakutukwa G, Chingono A, Hughes S, Taylor K. Motivators and Barriers for Parents to Disclose their HIV Status to Children. VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND YOUTH STUDIES 2022; 18:231-241. [PMID: 36970707 PMCID: PMC10035580 DOI: 10.1080/17450128.2022.2131948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Disclosure to children has been identified as one of the main challenges for parents living with HIV (PLH). The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore motivators, barriers, and the process of parental disclosure in a Zimbabwean community with high HIV prevalence. A total of 28 PLH participated in three focus groups comprising PLH who had disclosed their HIV status to their children (n = 11), PLH who had not disclosed to their children (n = 7), and the third group contained PLH who both had and had not disclosed their status (n = 10). Full, partial and indirect disclosure approaches were used by parents. Barriers to disclosing included the children being "too young" and lacking understanding of HIV as well as inability to maintain confidentiality around parents' status, 2) causing the child to worry, 3) being embarrassed, and 4) fearing that disclosure would prompt a child to treat a parent with disrespect. Motivators included 1) support of various kinds from their children, 2) educating their children around HIV risk, and 3) facilitating discussions about parental illness and death. Our findings suggest that understanding the barriers to disclosure is likely insufficient for supporting and promoting parental disclosure. The motivation for disclosure, support for the disclosure process, and culturally relevant interventions are needed to promote and support parental disclosure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marguerita Lightfoot
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Renisha Campbell
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Alfred Chingono
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Shana Hughes
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Kelly Taylor
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gumede D, Meyer-Weitz A, Zuma T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J. A qualitative investigation of facilitators and barriers to DREAMS uptake among adolescents with grandparent caregivers in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000369. [PMID: 36962500 PMCID: PMC10022343 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents with grandparent caregivers have experienced challenges including the death of one or both parents due to HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. They may be left out of existing HIV prevention interventions targeting parents and children. We investigated the facilitators and barriers to DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe) programme uptake among adolescents with grandparent caregivers across different levels of the socio-ecological model in rural South Africa. Data were collected in three phases (October 2017 to September 2018). Adolescents (13-19 years old) and their grandparent caregivers (≥50 years old) (n = 12) contributed to repeat in-depth interviews to share their perceptions and experiences regarding adolescents' participation in DREAMS. Data were triangulated using key informant interviews with DREAMS intervention facilitators (n = 2) to give insights into their experiences of delivering DREAMS interventions. Written informed consent or child assent was obtained from all individuals before participation. All data were collected in isiZulu and audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Thematic and dyadic analysis approaches were conducted guided by the socio-ecological model. Participation in DREAMS was most effective when DREAMS messaging reinforced existing norms around sex and sexuality and when the interventions improved care relationships between the adolescents and their older caregivers. DREAMS was less acceptable when it deviated from the norms, raised SRH information that conflicts with abstinence and virginity, and when youth empowerment was perceived as a potential threat to intergenerational power dynamics. While DREAMS was able to engage these complex families, there were failures, about factors uniquely critical to these families, such as in engaging children and carers with disabilities and failure to include adolescent boys in some interventions. There is a need to adapt HIV prevention interventions to tackle care relationships specific to adolescent-grandparent caregiver communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dumile Gumede
- Centre for General Education, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anna Meyer-Weitz
- School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thembelihle Zuma
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ramsammy CW, Galvin L, Joyce C, Leshabane G, Buckley J, Otwombe K, Liberty A, Violari A. Children's Positive and Negative Emotional Responses to an HIV Disclosure Study in South Africa. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:857336. [PMID: 35712628 PMCID: PMC9192950 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.857336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The benefits of HIV status disclosure to children is widely cited. However, few studies have reported how children respond to the process in a longitudinal fashion. This paper describes children's responses, as documented by healthcare providers (HCPs), during a longitudinal disclosure study conducted at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, South Africa. Two HCPs facilitating disclosure recorded observations of 30 participating children (60% female), aged 7-13 years. Participants attended an average of six disclosure counseling sessions over 78 weeks. Observations documented by HCPs included the child's behavior and expressed emotions during the disclosure counseling sessions. The data was analyzed using content analysis. Mixed responses were observed in children who received full disclosure (27/30), with more children responding with strong negative emotions (16/27). However, 10 of those responded well to reassurance, and emotionally improved over subsequent sessions. Improvements were also observed in the communication and relationship between caregivers and children (17/30). Although most children understood the disclosure content (17/30), many were avoidant of the topic of HIV (16/30). With the understanding of the complex range of emotions elicited by HIV disclosure, we can better prepare HCPs on what to anticipate and train caregivers to further manage negative responses post-disclosure. This in turn may lead to more positive experiences of disclosure and the child's healthy acceptance of their HIV status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Candice W Ramsammy
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lisa Galvin
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Celeste Joyce
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Given Leshabane
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Janice Buckley
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Afaaf Liberty
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Avy Violari
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Klingberg S, van Sluijs EMF, Jong ST, Draper CE. Can public sector community health workers deliver a nurturing care intervention in South Africa? The Amagugu Asakhula feasibility study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2021; 7:60. [PMID: 33640007 PMCID: PMC7912559 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-021-00802-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nurturing care interventions have the potential to promote health and development in early childhood. Amagugu Asakhula was designed to promote developmentally important dietary and movement behaviours among children of preschool age (3–5 years) in South Africa. An initial formative study in Cape Town found the intervention to be feasible and acceptable when delivered by community health workers (CHWs) linked to a community-based organisation. This study evaluated the delivery of the Amagugu Asakhula intervention by CHWs linked to a public sector primary health care facility in Soweto, as this mode of delivery could have more potential for sustainability and scalability. Methods A qualitative design was utilised to assess feasibility, acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, implementation, fidelity and context. CHWs (n = 14) delivered the intervention to caregivers (n = 23) of preschool-age children in Soweto over 6 weeks. Following the completion of the intervention, focus group discussions were held with CHWs and caregivers. Further data were obtained through observations, study records and key informant interviews (n = 5). Data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis guided by a process evaluation framework. Results The delivery of the Amagugu Asakhula intervention through CHWs linked to a primary health care facility in Soweto was not found to be feasible due to contextual challenges such as late payment of salaries influencing CHW performance and willingness to deliver the intervention. CHWs expressed dissatisfaction with their general working conditions and were thus reluctant to take on new tasks. Despite barriers to successful delivery, the intervention was well received by both CHWs and caregivers and was considered a good fit with the CHWs’ scope of work. Conclusions Based on these findings, delivery of the Amagugu Asakhula intervention is not recommended through public sector CHWs in South Africa. This feasibility study informs the optimisation of implementation and supports further testing of the intervention’s effectiveness when delivered by CHWs linked to community-based organisations. The present study further demonstrates how implementation challenges can be identified through qualitative feasibility studies and subsequently addressed prior to large-scale trials, avoiding the wasting of research and resources. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-021-00802-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Klingberg
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Esther M F van Sluijs
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephanie T Jong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Catherine E Draper
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Moshoeshoe M, Madiba S. Parenting the child with HIV in limited resource communities in South Africa: mothers with HIV's emotional vulnerability and hope for the future. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 17:17455065211058565. [PMID: 34775847 PMCID: PMC8593292 DOI: 10.1177/17455065211058565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: A diagnosis of HIV does not affect the well-being of mothers alone but also affects how they care for their children. The aim of this study was to explore how mothers who were diagnosed with HIV when pregnant or when their children became ill experience raising children living with HIV. The purpose was to understand how a diagnosis of HIV impacts mothering their children at different points on the mothering journey. Methods: Using descriptive phenomenological enquiry, interviews were conducted with 28 mothers recruited via purposeful sampling from clinics in health district in South Africa. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analysed following the thematic approach. Results: The mothers found mothering a child living with HIV stressful and associated with constant thoughts of death. The burden of mothering was increased for mothers who had to confront emotions of self-blame and guilt for unintentionally infecting the child. They used secrecy to protect their children from the social consequences of a diagnosis of HIV. The thought of living with HIV weighed on them every day and they expressed their experience of intense feelings of chronic worry, anxiety, and sadness. The findings identified high levels of stress, with the mothers expressing emotions suggestive of depression. With time, they accepted living with HIV and embraced motherhood, and became better mothers. Conclusion: The negative coping strategies used to deal with the child’s HIV diagnosis and high levels of stress and anxiety identified in the study underscore the need to address the psychosocial needs of mothers living with HIV. There is need to provide psychosocial support and continuous counselling for these mothers post diagnosis and upon a positive HIV diagnosis of the child to women enrolled in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV programme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malerato Moshoeshoe
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sphiwe Madiba
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Edwards T, Mkwanazi N, Mitchell J, Bland RM, Rochat TJ. Empowering parents for human immunodeficiency virus prevention: Health and sex education at home. South Afr J HIV Med 2020; 21:970. [PMID: 32670624 PMCID: PMC7343931 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v21i1.970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving health literacy amongst human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive mothers could strengthen child and adolescent HIV prevention. The Amagugu intervention included health literacy materials to strengthen maternal communication and has demonstrated success in low-resource HIV-endemic settings. OBJECTIVES Our aims were to (1) evaluate whether Amagugu materials improved health literacy leading to changes in parental behaviour towards communicating on topics such as HIV, health behaviours and sex education, and (2) explore what additional information and materials mothers would find helpful. METHOD The Amagugu evaluation included 281 HIV-positive mothers and their HIV-uninfected children (6-10 years). Process evaluation data from exit interviews were analysed using content analysis and logistic regression techniques. RESULTS Of 281 mothers, 276 (98.0%) requested more educational storybooks: 99 (35.2%) on moral development/future aspirations, 92 (32.7%) on general health, safety and health promotion, and 67 (23.8%) on HIV and disease management. Compared to baseline, mothers reported that the materials increased discussion on the risks of bullying from friends (150; 53.4%), teacher problems (142; 50.5%), physical abuse (147; 52.3%) and sexual abuse (126; 44.8%). Most mothers used the 'HIV Body Map' for health (274; 97.5%) and sex education (267; 95.0%). The use of a low-cost doll was reported to enhance mother-child communication by increasing mother-child play (264; 94.3%) and maternal attentiveness to the child's feelings (262; 93.6%). CONCLUSION Parent-led health education in the home seems feasible, acceptable and effective and should be capitalised on in HIV prevention strategies. Further testing in controlled studies is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taygen Edwards
- Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ntombizodumo Mkwanazi
- Human and Social Capabilities Division, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Joanie Mitchell
- Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital, Department of Health, Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ruth M Bland
- Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow, Scotland
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tamsen J Rochat
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit (DPHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rochat TJ, Houle B, Stein A, Pearson RM, Bland RM. Prevalence and risk factors for child mental disorders in a population-based cohort of HIV-exposed and unexposed African children aged 7-11 years. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2018; 27:1607-1620. [PMID: 29680970 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-018-1146-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite being home to a large population of vulnerable children there is a dearth of population-based evidence on childhood mental disorders in sub-Saharan Africa. Parent and child mental health are rarely measured concurrently, despite potential for confounding with other risk factors, including parental HIV. Using the parent-report Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) we assessed children's mental health in a population-based cohort of 1536 HIV-negative children (31% HIV-exposed, 18% HIV-affected, 51% HIV-unexposed) aged 7-11 years. CBCL was scored using CBCL Rating-to-Score software. A binary indicator was determined using the clinical threshold ≥ 65. We modelled mental disorders using logistic regression, including covariates associated with the mother, child, household, and parenting. Structural equation modelling techniques also derived continuous latent variables representing the underlying mental health and parent-relationship constructs. Prevalence of conduct disorders (11.8%) was high, regardless of HIV exposure, while HIV-affected children had increased odds of affective disorders. Maternal depression increased odds of externalising disorders; maternal anxiety was associated with affective and anxiety disorders. Mother-child relationship dysfunction increased odds of all disorders, including: affective [aOR = 5.1 (2.6-9.9)]; oppositional [aOR = 7.9 (4.0-15.5)]; conduct [aOR = 4.3 (2.6-7.2)] disorders. Food insecurity and male gender increased odds of somatic disorders; breastfeeding halved odds of conduct disorders. In the latent model, associations were substantially stronger for the mother-child relationship and externalising disorders (Oppositional 0.464 p < 0.001; Conduct 0.474 p = <0.001). Conduct disorders were high for all children regardless of HIV exposure. The mother-child relationship was strongly related to all child disorders, suggesting potential for concurrent interventions targeting child behaviours and the parent-child or mother-child relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamsen J Rochat
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.
- Human and Social Development Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.
- MRC/Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Brian Houle
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Demography, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- CU Population Center, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Alan Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rebecca M Pearson
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol University, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - Ruth M Bland
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mkwanazi NB, Rochat TJ, Bland RM. The Amagugu intervention: a qualitative investigation into maternal experiences and perspectives of a maternal HIV disclosure support intervention in rural South Africa. Health Policy Plan 2017; 32:1231-1240. [PMID: 28981662 PMCID: PMC5886258 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czx056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization recommends disclosure of parental HIV to children aged 6-12 years. The maternal HIV-disclosure intervention (Amagugu), a lay counsellor-led, home-based intervention with six sessions, was implemented. The intervention included provision of disclosure tools, training and support for mothers, a family session and health promotion clinic visit for mothers and children. Amagugu demonstrated success as a maternal disclosure support programme but less is known about the experiences of participants. A sub-sample of HIV-infected mothers (n = 20) with primary school-aged HIV-uninfected children, from Amagugu, was purposely selected. Using semi-structured interviews and interview-guide, we explored maternal perceptions of disclosure prior to participation and experiences of participating in Amagugu. Audio-recorded interviews conducted in participants' homes, in isiZulu, were transcribed, and content analysis was undertaken. The most common reasons for prior non-disclosure were concerns about children's developmental capacity to understand HIV, fear of HIV-related stigma towards mothers and their families, and lack of skills to undertake disclosure. Intervention materials, rapport with counsellors, and flexibility of the proposed disclosure process motivated mothers to participate. While expressing satisfaction with the intervention, some mothers remained concerned about their children's understanding of HIV and ability to maintain confidentiality. Mothers also requested support in discussing sex-related topics with their children. Despite prior high rates of disclosure to other adults, mothers had little awareness about the importance of disclosure to children and lacked skills to undertake this. The intervention approach, rapport with counsellors, and practicality of the materials, helped overcome child disclosure barriers. Mothers reported their children as very supportive following disclosure and stated they would advise other women to disclose to children for practical support around HIV treatment adherence. This qualitative evaluation suggests that mothers with primary school-aged children may require structured support when disclosing to children, which could be achieved through supportive home-based counselling and user-friendly materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ntombizodumo B. Mkwanazi
- Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tamsen J. Rochat
- Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Human and Social Development Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- MRC/Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Ruth M. Bland
- Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing and Royal Hospital for Sick Children, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Psychological morbidity and parenting stress in mothers of primary school children by timing of acquisition of HIV infection: a longitudinal cohort study in rural South Africa. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2017; 9:41-57. [PMID: 28899439 DOI: 10.1017/s204017441700068x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Longitudinal maternal mental health data are needed from high HIV prevalence settings. The Siyakhula Cohort (SC) is a population-based cohort of HIV-positive and negative mothers (n=1506) with HIV-negative children (n=1536) from rural South Africa. SC includes 767 HIV-negative mothers; 465 HIV-positive in pregnancy; 272 HIV-positive since pregnancy (n=2 missing HIV status). A subgroup (n=890) participated in a non-randomized breastfeeding intervention [Vertical Transmission Study (VTS)]; the remaining (n=616) were resident in the same area and received antenatal care at the time of the VTS, but were not part of the VTS, instead receiving the standard of care Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Programme. In secondary analysis we investigated the prevalence of, and factors associated with, psychological morbidity amongst mothers who were still the primary caregiver of the child (1265 out of 1506) at follow-up (7-11 years post-birth). We measured maternal depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder Scale-7) and parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index-36), using standardized cut-offs and algorithms. In total, 75 (5.9%) mothers met criteria for depression, 37 (2.9%) anxiety and 134 (10.6%) parenting stress. Using complete case logistic regression (n=1206 out of 1265 mothers) as compared to being HIV-negative, testing HIV-positive in pregnancy doubled odds of depression [adjusted odd ratios (aOR)=1.96 [1.0-3.7] P=0.039]. Parenting stress was positively associated with acquisition of HIV after pregnancy (aOR=3.11 [1.9-5.2] P<0.001) and exposure to household crime (aOR=2.02 [1.3-3.2] P=0.003); negatively associated with higher maternal education (aOR=0.29 [0.1-0.8] P=0.014), maternal employment (aOR=0.55 [0.3-0.9] P=0.024). Compared with the standard of care PMTCT, VTS mothers had reduced odds of parenting stress (aOR=0.61 [0.4-0.9] P=0.016). Integrating parental support into mostly bio-medical treatment programmes, during and beyond pregnancy, is important.
Collapse
|
14
|
Rochat TJ, Stein A, Cortina-Borja M, Tanser F, Bland RM. The Amagugu intervention for disclosure of maternal HIV to uninfected primary school-aged children in South Africa: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet HIV 2017; 4:e566-e576. [PMID: 28843988 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(17)30133-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing populations of children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected will face the challenge of disclosure of parental HIV infection status. We aimed to test the efficacy of an intervention to increase maternal HIV-disclosure to primary school-aged HIV-uninfected children. METHODS This randomised controlled trial was done at the Africa Health Research Institute in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Women who had tested HIV positive at least 6 months prior, had initiated HIV treatment or been enrolled in pretreatment HIV care, and had an HIV-uninfected child (aged 6-10 years) were randomly allocated to either the Amagugu intervention or enhanced standard of care, using a computerised algorithm based on simple randomisation and equal probabilities of being assigned to each group. Lay counsellors delivered the Amagugu intervention, which included six home-based counselling sessions of 1-2 h and materials and activities to support HIV disclosure and parent-led health promotion. The enhanced standard of care included one clinic-based counselling session. Outcome measures at 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months post baseline were done by follow-up assessors who were masked to participants' group and counsellor allocation. The primary outcome was maternal HIV disclosure (full [using the word HIV], partial [using the word virus], or none) at 9 months post baseline. We did the analysis in the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01922882). FINDINGS Between July 1, 2013, and Dec 31, 2014, we randomly assigned 464 participants to the Amagugu intervention (n=235) or enhanced standard of care (n=229). 428 (92%) participants completed the 9 month assessment by Sept 3, 2015. Disclosure at any level was more common in the Amagugu intervention group (n=204 [87%]) than in the enhanced standard-of-care group (n=128 [56%]; adjusted odds ratio 9·88, 95% CI 5·55-17·57; p<0·0001). Full disclosure was also more common in the Amagugu intervention group (n=150 [64%]) than in the enhanced standard-of-care group (n=98 [43%]; 4·13, 2·80-6·11; p<0·0001). Treatment-unrelated adverse effects were reported for 17 participants in the Amagugu intervention group versus six in the enhanced standard-of-care group; adverse effects included domestic violence (five [2%] in the Amagugu intervention group vs one [<1%] in the enhanced standard-of-care group), sexual assault (four [2%] vs one [<1%]), participant illness or death (four [2%] vs four [2%]), and family member illness or death (four [2%] vs none). No treatment-related deaths occurred. INTERPRETATION The lay-counsellor-driven Amagugu intervention to aid parental disclosure has potential for wide-scale implementation after further effectiveness research and could be adapted to other target populations and other diseases. Further follow-up and effectiveness research is required. FUNDING National Institutes of Health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamsen J Rochat
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa; Human and Social Development Research Program, Human Science Research Council, Durban, South Africa; MRC/Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.
| | - Alan Stein
- Agincourt MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Mario Cortina-Borja
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa; School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; CAPRISA Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ruth M Bland
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Royal Hospital for Sick Children, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rochat TJ, Mitchell J, Lubbe AM, Stein A, Tomlinson M, Bland RM. Communication about HIV and death: Maternal reports of primary school-aged children's questions after maternal HIV disclosure in rural South Africa. Soc Sci Med 2017; 172:124-134. [PMID: 27881248 PMCID: PMC5224234 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children's understanding of HIV and death in epidemic regions is under-researched. We investigated children's death-related questions post maternal HIV-disclosure. Secondary aims examined characteristics associated with death-related questions and consequences for children's mental health. METHODS HIV-infected mothers (N = 281) were supported to disclose their HIV status to their children (6-10 years) in an uncontrolled pre-post intervention evaluation. Children's questions post-disclosure were collected by maternal report, 1-2 weeks post-disclosure. 61/281 children asked 88 death-related questions, which were analysed qualitatively. Logistic regression analyses examined characteristics associated with death-related questions. Using the parent-report Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), linear regression analysis examined differences in total CBCL problems by group, controlling for baseline. RESULTS Children's questions were grouped into three themes: 'threats'; 'implications' and 'clarifications'. Children were most concerned about the threat of death, mother's survival, and prior family deaths. In multivariate analysis variables significantly associated with asking death-related questions included an absence of regular remittance to the mother (AOR 0.25 [CI 0.10, 0.59] p = 0.002), mother reporting the child's initial reaction to disclosure being "frightened" (AOR 6.57 [CI 2.75, 15.70] p=<0.001) and level of disclosure (full/partial) to the child (AOR 2.55 [CI 1.28, 5.06] p = 0.008). Controlling for significant variables and baseline, all children showed improvements on the CBCL post-intervention; with no significant differences on total problems scores post-intervention (β -0.096 SE1.366 t = -0.07 p = 0.944). DISCUSSION The content of questions children asked following disclosure indicate some understanding of HIV and, for almost a third of children, its potential consequence for parental death. Level of maternal disclosure and stability of financial support to the family may facilitate or inhibit discussions about death post-disclosure. Communication about death did not have immediate negative consequences on child behaviour according to maternal report. CONCLUSION In sub-Saharan Africa, given exposure to death at young ages, meeting children's informational needs could increase their resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamsen J Rochat
- Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Human and Social Development Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa; MRC/Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Joanie Mitchell
- Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Anina M Lubbe
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Alan Stein
- Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ruth M Bland
- Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|