Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Adolescents who have acquired HIV perinatally (ALHIV) face unique challenges in taking lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART), but little is known about what factors affect their adherence over the course of their lifelong treatment journey.Methods
We conducted a qualitative study with ALHIV who had periods of poor adherence to ART in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa using Participant-generated Visual Methodologies (PVM). Participants used photography to represent their perspectives and experiences.Results
14 individuals participated in the research process. We developed a framework and identified four social domains which combined with the adolescent's own experiences and sense of self to either support or undermine adherence. Periods of non-adherence were reported by all participants. Participants described the importance of supportive relationships and households as well as the benefits of ART as supporting adherence. The fear of inadvertent disclosure of their HIV status and the side-effects of ART were barriers to adherence. Possible interventions to support adolescents in their treatment journey are identified.Conclusions
Current models of adherence support fail to address the challenges to lifelong therapy ALHIV face. Ongoing education and honest communication with health care providers, interventions that build resilience together with peer support, have the potential to improve adherence in ALHIV.
SUBMITTER: Loveday M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9587556 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Loveday Marian M Furin Jennifer J Hlangu Sindisiwe S Mthethwa Thabile T Naidoo Tasneem T
BMC infectious diseases 20221021 1
<h4>Background</h4>Adolescents who have acquired HIV perinatally (ALHIV) face unique challenges in taking lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART), but little is known about what factors affect their adherence over the course of their lifelong treatment journey.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted a qualitative study with ALHIV who had periods of poor adherence to ART in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa using Participant-generated Visual Methodologies (PVM). Participants used photography to represent their pers ...[more]