HIV-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors and Experiences of Kenyan Adolescents Living with HIV Revealed in WhatsApp Group Chats

Introduction: Mobile technologies represent a scalable platform for delivering knowledge and interventions targeting adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) in low and middle income countries. Data from mobile interventions can be used to assess the contextual understanding and experiences of ALWH. Metho...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care 2021-01, Vol.20, p.2325958221999579-2325958221999579
Main Authors: Chory, Ashley, Nyandiko, Winstone, Martin, Roxanne, Aluoch, Josephine, Scanlon, Michael, Ashimosi, Celestine, Njoroge, Tabitha, McAteer, Carole, Apondi, Edith, Vreeman, Rachel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescents
Anti-HIV Agents - therapeutic use
Drugs
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
HIV
HIV Infections - drug therapy
HIV Infections - psychology
Human immunodeficiency virus
Humans
Income
Intervention
Kenya
Knowledge
Low income groups
Medication Adherence - psychology
Mental health
Mobile Applications
Original
Prospective Studies
Qualitative Research
Social Stigma
Social Support
Stigma
Telemedicine
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Summary:Introduction: Mobile technologies represent a scalable platform for delivering knowledge and interventions targeting adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) in low and middle income countries. Data from mobile interventions can be used to assess the contextual understanding and experiences of ALWH. Methods: We examined HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and experiences of Kenyan ALWH revealed in the contextual data from enrollment in a WhatsApp® group chat intervention. Results: Thirty ALWH (17 female, mean age 15.4) on ART, engaged in HIV care and aware of their status, were enrolled. Qualitative analysis of WhatsApp® chat discussions identified a gap in HIV knowledge, high medication-taking literacy, need for mental health support and significant barriers to adherence. Participants discussed challenges with HIV stigma and medication-taking in the school setting. Conclusion: These discussions demonstrate a need for education on HIV topics, mental health support for ALWH, and interventions for stigma mitigation in the school setting.
ISSN:2325-9582
2325-9574
2325-9582
DOI:10.1177/2325958221999579