Provision of Psychosocial Support for Young people Living with HIV: Voices from the Field

ABSTRACT

This review provides a synthesis of the experiences of organisations providing psychosocial support for young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) from throughout the world. Little research exists on psychosocial support for YPLHIV; with many providers uncertain about how to address their complex needs. Eighty-six organisations were sent a survey containing 15 semi-structured; open-ended questions. Sixty-eight organisations from the United States; Europe; Africa; Asia; Latin America and the Middle East responded. The survey asked what challenges the organisation's patient group face; what the organisational aims are; how; where and by whom psychosocial support is delivered; what types of psychosocial support have been effective and which have not; and what recommendations the organisation has for service provision and policy.Data were stratified by age of population; region of the world and whether youth were infected at birth or in adolescence. The problems and needs across groups were more consistent than disparate. Adherence to medication; disclosure of HIV status; issues relating to sex and lack of support networks are problems faced by all YPLHIV. Most organisations use a multi-disciplinary team of individuals to meet these needs; with particular emphasis on individual and group therapy; educational support; and skills-building programmes. The review stresses the importance of youth-centered and youth-led approaches that engage young people in the planning; implementation and evaluation of programmes. Organisations underlined the need for increased funding; capacity building and trained staff. They suggest that policy makers put more effort into understanding the distinctiveness of adolescence; particularly in the context of HIV; andchallenge them to make longer-term commitments to funding and programme support. In order for organisations to provide better services; they need further evidence of effective solutions; programme guidance and support tools; and increased collaboration and communication with one another; and with policy-makers and donors