“It’s about making adolescents in charge of their health”

Policy-makers’ perspectives on optimizing the health care transition among adolescents living with HIV in Kenya

Bibliographic Data

ID19440181
AuthorsKatherine Shulock (0000-0001-8200-8441, University of Washington, corresponding author), Kristin Beima‐Sofie (0000-0002-3408-7410, University of Washington), Kristin Beima-Sofie (University of Washington), Haris Apriyanto (0000-0003-1986-3861, University of Washington), Irene Njuguna (0000-0003-4250-3231, University of Washington), Caren Mburu (0000-0002-5656-7626, University of Washington), Cyrus Mugo (0000-0001-7516-2168, Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya), Janet Itindi (Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya), Alvin Onyango (0000-0002-8685-5784, University of Nairobi), Dalton Wamalwa (0000-0002-5510-462X, University of Nairobi), Grace John-Stewart (University of Washington), Grace John‐Stewart (0000-0002-4301-1573, University of Washington), Gabrielle O’Malley (0000-0002-7514-8240, University of Washington)
Year2022
Volume34
Issue9
Pages1127-1134
Publication date2022-09-02
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAIDS Care (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0954-0121 • E-ISSN: 1360-0451
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09540121.2021.1971606
PMID34482776
OpenAlexW3196748688
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited34

The health care transition (HCT) from pediatric to adult care is a potential contributor to poor clinical outcomes among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is limited information on effective tools and processes to prepare and support ALHIV through this transition. This study elicited perspectives of policy-makers regarding barriers and facilitators to successful HCT among ALHIV in Kenya. Twenty in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with policy-makers using a semi-structured guide. Using the socio-ecological model (SEM) as an organizing framework, directed content and thematic network analyses methods were used to characterize themes related to key influences on HCT processes and to describe actionable recommendations for improved tools and resources. Policy-makers identified multilevel support, including the development of a triadic relationship between the caregiver, healthcare worker (HCW) and adolescent, as an essential strategy for improved HCT success. Across the SEM, policy-makers described the importance of actively engaging adolescents in their care to promote increased ownership and autonomy over health decisions. At the structural level, the need for more comprehensive HCT guidelines and improved HCW training was highlighted. Expanded HCT tools and guidelines, that emphasize supportive relationships and intensified adolescent engagement, may improve HCT processes and outcomes

Adolescent health · Autonomy · Health care · Medical education · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology

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