Development of management guidelines for youth in HIV support groups in Eswatini
Loading...
Authors
Tsabedze, Bhekisisa Senzo
Issue Date
2024-12
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Group , Guidelines , HIV , HIV support group , Management , Self-discharge , Support , Youth , Health Studies (Medicine) , SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
Alternative Title
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of youth in HIV support groups in Eswatini and to develop management guidelines for youth living with HIV (YLHIV) in Eswatini.
Research Method: The research employed a qualitative approach following a descriptive phenomenological design to subjectively capture the lived experiences of YLHIV. Data were collected from 30 participants aged 15-24 across four regional hospitals in Eswatini. In-depth unstructured interviews were conducted in English and SiSwati, following participants' informed consent. interviews are conducted using a language preferred by the participants. The data was analysed using five steps for qualitative data explication. Research ethics were observed per the Belmont report and the University of South Africa’s (UNISA) standards.
Findings: Four major themes emerged: (1) Lived experiences of YLHIV in support groups, (2) Experiences of self-discharged YLHIV, (3) Reasons for self-discharge from HIV support groups, and (4) Factors promoting retention or suitable discharge practices. Participants reported both positive and negative aspects of YLHIV support groups. Additionally, the Management guidelines for YLHIV in support groups were developed to emphasize a comprehensive, multi-level approach to addressing YLHIV’s physical, psychosocial and economic needs, with interventions spanning individual to policy levels. Five guidelines were developed. Guideline (1) holistic approach to support YLHIV, guideline (2) regular evaluation and feedback for resilience improvement, guideline (3) supporting self-discharged, guideline (4) transitioning of YLHIV in youth Support Groups to adult support groups and guideline (5) introduction of vocational training.
Conclusion: The findings informed the development of management guidelines to enhance YLHIV support, focusing on psychosocial support, HIV stigma reduction and mechanisms for safe discharge or sustained group membership. Appropriate operationalisation of the five guidelines would contribute to improved YLHV retention to care, improve viral load suppression and overall quality of life of the YLHIV. This study offers insights to policymakers and healthcare providers on strengthening YLHIV support in Eswatini, aligning with sustainable HIV response.