Resilience processes among youth newly diagnosed with HIV who live in urban informal settlements in Kenya: Implications for intervention

Abstract

New HIV infections in Kenya are concentrated among youth ages 15–24. This study explores the lived experiences of youth newly diagnosed with HIV living in an urban informal settlement in Kenya in order to highlight their resilience processes. Five primary thematic areas of resilience processes emerged (1) changing personal perspectives about health and life; (2) changing personal behaviors to promote health and safety; (3) reaching out to supportive health care providers and organizations; (4) reaching out to family, friends, and partners; and (5) helping other youth. Results are discussed with regard to enhancing care for youth living with HIV in Kenya.

Keywords:

• HIV/AIDS
• Kenya
• resilience
• youth

Acknowledgments

This work could not have been carried out without the community connections and staff contributions from the University of Nairobi’s Center for HIV Prevention and Research. Finally, we acknowledge the youth participants for their commitment and contributions to this study.

Additional information

Funding

We acknowledge funding support from the DePaul University Office of Mission and Values through the Vincentian Endowment Fund.