School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
School of Nursing, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024 Nov 14;21(11):1517. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21111517.
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are the fastest-growing population living with HIV globally. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health systems, thereby negatively affecting the quality and availability of HIV care and support services. This study describes the challenges and treatment experiences of ALHIV on ART at a public primary healthcare facility in a low-socioeconomic community in Cape Town, South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative photovoice study was conducted with 21 adolescents (aged 14-19 years; 13 females and 8 males). Participants shared pictures illustrating their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in groups. Group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed in full and subjected to content analysis. Seven themes emerged describing ALHIV's personal, social, and economic challenges, their means of coping, and feelings of vulnerability. Challenges included the loss of significant others, lack of social support and opportunities, experiences of HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the household, loneliness, and isolation. In spite of difficulties, some ALHIV displayed resilience by continuing their medication routines during lockdown periods. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need for the restoration of the health system and services, including psychosocial support to re-engage ALHIV in care and treatment.
感染艾滋病毒的青少年（ALHIV）是全球感染艾滋病毒人群中增长最快的群体。COVID-19 大流行扰乱了卫生系统，从而对艾滋病毒护理和支持服务的质量和可及性产生了负面影响。本研究描述了在 COVID-19 大流行期间，南非开普敦一个低收入社区的一家公立初级保健机构中，接受抗逆转录病毒疗法（ART）的感染艾滋病毒的青少年（ALHIV）所面临的挑战和治疗经历。采用照片访谈法对 21 名青少年（年龄 14-19 岁；13 名女性和 8 名男性）进行了定性研究。参与者分组分享了在 COVID-19 大流行期间的经历图片。小组讨论进行了完整的录音和转录，并进行了内容分析。出现了七个主题，描述了 ALHIV 的个人、社会和经济挑战、应对方式以及脆弱感。挑战包括失去重要他人、缺乏社会支持和机会、在家庭中经历与艾滋病毒相关的耻辱和歧视、孤独和孤立。尽管存在困难，但一些 ALHIV 在封锁期间继续服药，表现出了韧性。COVID-19 大流行后，需要恢复卫生系统和服务，包括提供社会心理支持，以使 ALHIV 重新参与护理和治疗。
