Experiences and coping strategies of adolescents living with HIV in Kanyama community, Lusaka Province
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Date
2016
Authors
Linyaku, Mukena
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Background
HIV is a cross-cutting problem which does not only affect adults but also affects adolescents.
The number of adolescents living with HIV is increasing due to the provision of Highly Active
Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) which enables them to live longer yet little is known about
their experiences and the strategies they use to cope with their condition. Such knowledge could
help HIV programs to better respond to their needs and help them to cope effectively.
Methods
This qualitative study examined the experiences of adolescents living with HIV in Kanyama
Community in Lusaka, Zambia. It used a phenomenological study design which focuses on the
human experiences. The sampling approach which was used to select the sample of the study
was purposive sampling. Data was collected using in-depth interviews with 24 adolescents living
with HIV. Data was coded using NVIVO and analysed using thematic analysis. Thematic
analysis was used to draw out adolescents' feeling and experiences of being HIV positive and to
explore the coping strategies used by adolescents at Community level.
Results
The three dimensions of the disclosure are disclosure to adolescents, adolescents disclosing to
others and caregivers disclosing on behalf of the adolescents (third party disclosure). Most
adolescents felt bad while a few felt good after knowing their status. Few disclosed to family
members. All the girls and few boys were comfortable with third party disclosure and only a few
boys were not comfortable with it. With regards to experiences with health services: all the girls
appreciated the use of drugs. Both girls and boys had concerns about antiretroviral therapy
services provided during weekdays. All participants were in good terms with health care
providers. Regarding experiences with other people in society, some participants were taken care
of by their family members while a few experienced stigma from peers and family members.
Adolescents were able to cope using resilience, non-disclosure, spiritual intervention and the use
of supportive systems.
Conclusion
Adolescents had various experiences with regard to disclosure. Few girls and boys disclosed
their status to biological parents and immediate caregivers. Some adolescents were not
comfortable with third party disclosure while a few did not have problems with it. Health care
services provided during the week when they were expected to be in class posed a challenge.
Understanding adolescents’ experiences and what helps them to cope with their condition will
help in adopting interventions that bring out positive experiences while mitigating negative ones.
This would strengthen the provision of services tailored to the needs and circumstances of
adolescents living with HIV in Zambia.
Description
Keywords
AIDS(Disease)in adolescence , HIV Infections-Prevention and Control , HIV Infections in adolescence