‘Know that You are not Alone.’ Influences of Social Support on Youth Newly Diagnosed with HIV in Kibera, Kenya

A Qualitative Study Informing Intervention Development

Bibliographic Data

ID17801043
AuthorsNicole Lockwood (University of Michigan), Kathryn Lypen (University of Michigan), Firas Shalabi (University of Michigan), Manasi Kumar (0000-0002-9773-8014, University of Nairobi), Elizabeth Ngugi (0000-0001-5835-2752, University of Nairobi), G W Harper (0000-0003-1011-1751, University of Michigan, corresponding author)
Year2019
Volume16
Issue5
Pages775-775
Publication date2019-03-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph16050775
PMID30836611
OpenAlexW2920387679
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited28

The role of social support in assisting youth in developed countries cope with their HIV diagnosis has been examined through a vast body of research; yet, there remains a gap in research around the effects of social support among youth living in sub-Saharan African countries including Kenya. This study aimed to examine the role of social support among Kenyan youth living with HIV, specifically with regard to the variations in influences of this social support. We conducted semi-structured focus group discussions with youth (ages 18 to 27) living in the informal urban settlement of Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya ( n = 53). Data analysis followed a phenomenological inquiry framework, and seven major categories of perceived social support influences were identified: (1) linkage to services, (2) antiretroviral (ARV) adherence, (3) self-acceptance of HIV status, (4) healthy and positive living, (5) understanding of what it means to be living with HIV, (6) HIV status disclosure, and (7) family and occupational strengthening. The findings from this study suggest that Kenyan youth living with HIV can benefit from social support in a multitude of ways and can occur across several socio-ecological levels. Future research should further examine these influences, specifically regarding intervention development across socio-ecological levels

Developmental psychology · Environmental health · Focus group · Kenya · Political science · Positive Youth Development · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Social support · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology