Contextual Factors Influencing Self-Management of Adolescents and Youth Living with HIV: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Lesotho

Mapaseka Chabalala Nagenda and Talitha Crowley
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Mapaseka Chabalala Nagenda: Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
Talitha Crowley: School of Nursing, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Background: HIV treatment outcomes of adolescents and youth living with HIV (AYLWH) are lagging. One way to improve outcomes is through supporting AYLWH to acquire self-management skills. Although self-management is associated with improved health outcomes, condition-specific, individual/family, and social/environmental contextual factors influence self-management. We aimed to describe factors influencing the self-management of AYLWH in Lesotho. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used. AYLWH ( n = 183) aged 15–24 were conveniently sampled from two HIV treatment sites in Lesotho. Participants completed self-report questionnaires in English or Sesotho. Results: Participants (89.1% female) had high HIV self-management scores (mean 92.7%, SD 5.3%) that corresponded with treatment outcomes (98.9% adherent and 100% viral load < 1000 copies/mL). This might be attributed to condition-specific factors, including once-daily doses (100%) and longer duration of treatment (81.4% on ART for more than 10 years). Participants were older (median age 22), and the majority (61.7%) had stable living conditions. Individual strengths were associated with higher self-management scores ( p < 0.01) and mental health problems with lower self-management scores ( p < 0.05). Most (97.9%) were satisfied with their health care services. Conclusions: Uncomplicated treatment regimens, longer duration of treatment, stable living conditions, individual strengths, good mental health, and satisfaction with healthcare services have a positive influence on self-management.

Keywords: adolescents; contextual factors; HIV; self-management; youth (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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