A study of the impact of social networks on adolescent antiretroviral therapy adherence in Zimbabwe

Abstract

There have been many attempts to explore the significance of social networks in influencing positive health behaviours among different population groups. However, few studies have focused on adolescents and particularly those living with HIV. This study took an in-depth exploration of the role played by social networks in influencing ART adherence among adolescents living with HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe. Adolescents living with HIV are involved in different types of social networks that include those entered by members of their households and those that they initiate. The social networking involving adolescents takes place within a complex web of unwritten norms and rules. The norms and rules are deliberately designed to govern behaviours within the networks and to evade societal stigma directed at people living with HIV. Strict adherence to the unwritten norms and rules has created bonding and trust among the adolescents who regard their social networks as a dependable form of support in their day to day lives. The bonding amongst the adolescents has however in some circumstances led to negative coping behaviours such as reluctance towards HIV status disclosure which can undermine ART adherence in the long term. Social networks are vital means through which resources and vital information that shape adherence to ART behaviours is shared. The results in this study have demonstrated that the different forms of social networks are socially constructed within specific social settings and they play a significant role in shaping ART adherence behaviours among adolescents living with HIV.