HIV/AIDS in Kenyan schools: Neuropsychological and psychoeducational implications

ABSTRACT

Kenya has the twelfth largest HIV/AIDS epidemic in the world. In 2016, there was an estimated 1.6 million people living with HIV in Kenya. Youth ages 15–24 accounted for over half (51%) of the HIV incidence reported in 2015, a significant increase from 2013 where youth accounted for 29% of all new cases. The purpose of this paper is to review HIV prevalence and incidence among youth and other key populations in Kenya and to discuss the cultural attitudes and practices that impact the HIV epidemic including relevant laws, policies, and initiatives with a focus on the role of school psychologists in neuropsychological interventions for children and adolescents living with HIV. A broad range of biomedical, behavioral, and structural approaches for addressing the HIV-related needs among youth in Kenya are discussed as is the importance of addressing the psychosocial needs of youth living with HIV by acknowledging the relationship between physical health, mental health, and academic outcomes. The critical role of school psychologists and other school professionals in implementing these strategies is highlighted.

KEYWORDS:

• Kenya
• neuropsychological interventions
• psychosocial needs
• school psychologists
• school professionals
• HIV/AIDS

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kemesha Gabbidon

Kemesha Gabbidon is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Psychology Department at the University of South Florida. As a community health equity advocate, Dr. Gabbidon’s research interests include youth sexual health, health equity and intersectionality. She is an investigator with the REACH Youth Center at USF, which conducts research relevant for youth living with or at risk for HIV. Dr. Gabbidon has published articles on culture and sexuality, HIV, and health disparities. Her recent research is aimed at investigating intersectional stigma and how it affects HIV screening with the goal of implementing a community program that works with individuals and communities most affected by HIV

Tiffany Chenneville

Tiffany Chenneville is a Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at the University of South Florida and the Marie E. and E. Leslie Cole Endowed Chair in Ethics. She holds a Joint Appointment in the Department of Pediatrics where she serves as a Behavioral Health Consultant for the Pediatric and Adolescent Infectious Disease Program. Dr. Chenneville’s program of research is in the area pediatric and adolescent HIV with a focus on the psychosocial issues affecting youth with HIV and ethical issues related to HIV prevention, treatment, and research. Dr. Chenneville is recognized as an international expert in this area with ongoing projects in Kenya, South Africa, and England. She also has collaborated on projects in India. Dr. Chenneville was the recipient of a Fulbright Specialist Award in 2018. She has published extensively in the area of HIV.

Scholastic Adeli

Scholastic Adeli is a Senior Lecturer of Counseling Psychology in the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Moi University in Kenya. Her research interests are in the areas of gender studies, sexuality, genetic counseling, traumatology, and organizational and interventional psychology and how they relate to challenges facing development in Africa. Dr. Adeli is an accredited professional counselor and founding member of a Mentorship Program –YATA, meaning (You Are The Answer) where participants are mentored in discovering themselves and their potential. As a native Kenyan with experience in the educational system, Dr. Adeli currently serves on the School Board of Management, is a member of the Moi University Trauma Response Team (MUTRT) and the Kenya Association of Education Administration and Management (KAEAM), and is the organizing secretary of the Kenya Guidance Counselling and Psychological Association (KGCPA).