Psychosocial Support Programme Improves Adherence and Health Systems Experiences for Adolescents on Antiretroviral Therapy in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 19(23)2022 11 22.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2123625
ABSTRACT
(1) Background:
Psychosocial support (PSS) plays a significant role in persistent adherence to and retention in antiretroviral therapy (ART) for adolescents living with the human immunodeficiency virus (ALHIV). This paper qualitatively explores the experiences of ALHIV on ART, who participated in a PSS programme in five public primary healthcare facilities in Mpumalanga Province in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2)Methods:
Data were collected through 24 focus group discussions with 173 ALHIV on ART and subjected to inductive thematic analysis. Informed consent was obtained before all data collection. (3)Results:
The PSS programme facilitated the process of full HIV disclosure to these adolescents with the support of parents/guardians while motivating adherence through peer support groups and health education for improved treatment literacy. Participants reported positive health systems experiences, improved healthcare provider-client relations, and prompt access to health services. (4)Conclusions:
The PSS programme successfully kept ALHIV engaged in ART care despite the health service disruptions encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend rigorous evaluation of the effects of the PSS intervention on adherence to and retention in ART among ALHIV in HIV-endemic settings.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
HIV Infections
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijerph192315468
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