Primary Submission Category: Health equity
Understanding the Needs of Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV in Nigeria through a Socioecological Lens: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rejoice Obiora, Babatunde Adelekan, Gideon Nwankwo,
Presenting Author: Rejoice Obiora*
Background: The prevalence of HIV in Adolescents and Young people (AYP) in Nigeria is around 2% with a large gap in HIV treatment compared to the general population. AYP living with HIV face stigma and discrimination which is exacerbated by socio-cultural norms that increase their risk for HIV and lack of uptake of HIV services. The purpose of this study is to understand the needs of adolescents and young people living with HIV in Nigeria using the socioecological model.
Methods: In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with 40 AYPLHIV and key informant interviews (KIIs) with 20 focal persons and healthcare workers in four states in Nigeria: Abuja, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom and Kaduna State. The interviews were conducted using a semi-structured question guide which was developed based on the research objectives and the social ecological model. Data analysis was carried out using Dedoose version 9.0.
Results: The data analysis revealed multiple challenges experienced by adolescents and young people living with HIV/AIDS. These challenges include social stigma, self-isolation, disclosure concerns, trust issues, limited access to mentorship, and financial hardships. These challenges manifest across individual, interpersonal, and structural levels, impacting their overall well-being and engagement in HIV care and support services. These consequently affected their access to and utilization of healthcare services, their social relationships with themselves, partners, peers, and family, and ultimately, their overall quality of life.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, there is a need for contextualized interventions including the involvement of AYPLHIV in HIV programing to meet the needs of these young people and to address the challenges they face across different levels identified in the study, including individual, family, friends, community, and the healthcare system.