School of Public Health, 56390University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.
Medical Biosciences Department, 56390University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.
J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2022 Jan-Dec;21:23259582221121094. doi: 10.1177/23259582221121094.
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.
青少年感染艾滋病毒者（ALHIV）需要得到来自家庭、同伴和卫生工作者的支持，以继续接受抗逆转录病毒治疗并实现和维持病毒抑制。本文定性探讨了在南非埃兰兹尼地区的五所初级保健机构实施心理社会支持干预（PSS）的情况。通过对接受抗逆转录病毒治疗的青少年进行关键知情人访谈和焦点小组讨论收集了数据。数据分析采用了归纳主题分析方法。在所有数据收集之前，均获得了知情同意。PSS 干预措施促进了青少年充分披露艾滋病毒状况，通过健康教育、同伴支持、医患关系以及快速获得医疗服务来支持治疗依从性。然而，COVID-19 的限制和规定对干预措施的实施提出了挑战。PSS 干预措施有望支持青少年坚持和留在护理中。我们建议采取创新方法来应对 COVID-19 大流行等系统性干扰。
