Implementation of a Psychosocial Support Intervention for Adolescents on Antiretroviral Treatment: Challenges and Experiences from Ehlanzeni District, South Africa.
Emeka Francis OkonjiBrian Van WykGail D HughesFerdinand C MukumbangPublished in: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (2022)
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) need support from family, peers and health workers to remain on antiretroviral therapy and achieve and sustain viral suppression. This paper qualitatively explores the implementation of a psychosocial support intervention (PSS) in five primary health care facilities in the Ehlanzeni district, South Africa. Data were collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with ALHIV on ART. Data analysis employed inductive thematic analysis. Informed consent was obtained prior to all data collection. The PSS intervention facilitated full disclosure of HIV status to adolescents, supported treatment adherence through health education, peer support, health care provider- and client relations, and quick access to health service delivery. However, COVID-19 restrictions and regulations challenged the implementation of the intervention. The PSS intervention showed promise to support adolescent's adherence and retention in care. We recommend innovative approaches to account for systemic disruptions, as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keyphrases
- healthcare
- south africa
- hiv positive
- antiretroviral therapy
- randomized controlled trial
- young adults
- hiv infected
- mental health
- data analysis
- primary care
- quality improvement
- human immunodeficiency virus
- hiv aids
- physical activity
- sars cov
- public health
- hiv infected patients
- big data
- men who have sex with men
- hepatitis c virus
- electronic health record
- risk assessment
- palliative care
- adipose tissue
- climate change
- hiv testing
- health promotion