Preferences of South African Adolescents Living with HIV in the Western Cape Province Regarding the Use of Digital Technology for Self-Management

Leonie Weyers (), Talitha Crowley and Lwandile Tokwe
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Leonie Weyers: School of Nursing, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
Talitha Crowley: School of Nursing, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
Lwandile Tokwe: HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) face significant challenges in self-managing their chronic condition. Digital health technology (DHT) has become increasingly common and understanding ALHIVs’ preferences is essential for developing interventions tailored to this unique population. This study aimed to explore the preferences of ALHIV regarding the use of DHT for self-management. A qualitative research approach with an exploratory and descriptive design was used. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling method. Data were gathered through six nominal focus groups with 29 participants at two Community Health Centers in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The participants were ALHIV aged 15–24 years. Discussions focused on current technology usage and the ranking of desired DHT features. The transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged: (1) everyday usage of digital technology where participants frequently used digital devices for communication, social media, and finding information; (2) the role of digital technology in self-management; a strong interest in digital technology that provides medication reminders, health education, and peer support; and (3) factors influencing digital technology, including the cost of data, limited connectivity, and issues of privacy related to participants’ HIV status. The ALHIV showed a strong willingness to use digital platforms for health information, reminders, and peer support, although concerns about connectivity, data cost, and privacy remain. These findings underscore the need for flexible, user-centered approaches when designing DHT interventions for self-management in South Africa.

Keywords: Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV); digital health technology (DHT); self-management; South Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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