Lived experiences and coping mechanisms among children and adolescents living with HIV after HIV disclosure in Eastern Uganda

Bibliographic Data

ID19438995
AuthorsJoseph Kirabira (0000-0001-6400-8552, Busitema University, corresponding author), Naume Akello (Makerere University), Naume Etoko Akello (Makerere University), Keng-Yen Huang (0000-0002-6296-0061), Keng‐Yen Huang (0000-0003-3245-7614, New York University), Madrine Nakawuki (Butabika Hospital), Edith K Wakida (0000-0001-6949-8474, Mbarara University of Science and Technology), Edith Wakida (Mbarara University of Science and Technology), Celestino Obua (0000-0001-6949-3059, Office of the Vice Chancellor, Mbarara University of Science and Technology), Scholastic Ashaba (0000-0002-5822-2488, Mbarara University of Science and Technology), Brian C Zanoni (0000-0002-8640-7703, Emory University School of Medicine), Godfrey Zari Rukundo (0000-0002-3739-1426, Mbarara University of Science and Technology)
Year2025
Volume37
Issue9
Pages1462-1474
Publication date2025-09-02
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAIDS Care (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0954-0121 • E-ISSN: 1360-0451
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09540121.2025.2534117
PMID40691832
OpenAlexW4412543798
LanguageEN
References cited21

PURPOSE: To understand the experiences and coping mechanisms of children and adolescents living with HIV (CALH) after HIV disclosure. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study among CALH after HIV disclosure receiving care from two referral hospitals in eastern Uganda. In-depth interviews were conducted using an interview guide during routine outpatient visits to HIV clinics until data saturation was achieved. All interviews were audiotaped, and the collected data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: We conducted 23 interviews with CALH aged 11-17 years. Participants' experiences of disclosure were categorized into two major themes: (1) negative experiences, including HIV-related stigma, loss of social support and trust, and emotional and behavioral challenges, and (2) positive experiences, including improved self-efficacy and adherence. Coping mechanisms after disclosure were categorized into two themes (1) healthy (adherence to treatment, distraction, guidance and counseling, social support, and cognitive restructuring) and (2) non-healthy (alcohol and other substance use) coping mechanisms. CONCLUSION: The above experiences and coping mechanisms highlight the need to develop interventions that promote planned early disclosure of HIV status to children, supported by trained healthcare workers with rigorous counseling for better physical and mental health outcomes

Developmental psychology · Family medicine · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Clinical Psychology · HIV Research and Treatment · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology

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