Positive futures: a qualitative study on the needs of adolescents on antiretroviral therapy in South Africa

Abstract

With the increasing availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy, vertically infected children have a better chance of surviving into adolescence and adulthood. Additionally, sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a problem, and incidence and prevalence among youth remain high. Therefore, HIV-infected adolescents are becoming a more prominent sub-group in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Experience from the developed world indicates that providing effective care and treatment for adolescents poses unique challenges. This study aimed to identify the experiences and needs of adolescents growing up in care or on treatment for HIV in Cape Town, South Africa. Four focus groups interviews were conducted with a total of 26 young people attending an adolescent infectious diseases clinic at a tertiary hospital. Questions explored participant's perceptions on their present and future lives, and their self-identified needs. Focus groups revealed that adolescents viewed their illness negatively, but that social issues such as violence and poverty were also concerns. Despite these stressors, most respondents remained positive about the present and future, and wanted support for achieving their goals. As increasing numbers of HIV-infected children enter adolescence, healthcare providers and communities must find ways to support these young people to transition into adulthood.

Keywords:

• adolescents
• HIV/AIDS
• psychosocial needs

Acknowledgements

Study participants were receiving their medication through the Provincial Administration of the Western Cape. We would like to extend our gratitude to the AIDS and Society Research Unit at the University of Cape Town for its financial and administrative support, and the staff and volunteers at the Family Infectious Diseases Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital for their logistical assistance. Thank you to Beauty Swaartbooi and Mbali Vilakazi for their excellent work translating focus group discussions. Finally, thank you to the adolescents and families who so willingly participated in this study.