scholarly journals 940. Impact of Using Arts Programming to Support Treatment in Adolescents Living with HIV in Eswatini

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S503-S503
Author(s):  
Vedika Agrawal ◽  
Tara Ness ◽  
Amanda Small ◽  
Tandzile T Simelane ◽  
Bhekemusa Lukhele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Sense Of Community ◽  
Community Building ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Creative Arts ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Personal Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Adolescents and young adults with HIV are a unique population given the distinct psychosocial challenges of their age-group coupled with having a stigmatizing disease. In 2018, approximately 1.6 million adolescents were living with HIV worldwide, with the highest HIV prevalence found in Eswatini. As this group struggles more than any other age-group with medication adherence, novel interventions that are peer-inclusive and empowering should be explored to support their treatment. Methods We piloted a theater camp to determine the impact of fostering creative expression amongst adolescents and young adults enrolled at our HIV clinic in Mbabane, Eswatini. A two-week camp was conducted in collaboration with a non-profit organization of professional teachers, actors, and musicians. We emphasized enrollment of patients struggling with medication adherence, teen mothers, and those on second-line antiretroviral treatment. Twenty individuals (ages 12-23) participated in self-expression activities, story development, and a final play performed for the community. To assess impact, we compared viral loads pre- and post- camp as well as surveyed participants on effect of participation on areas such as personal stigma, sense of community, and confidence. Results Of those who participated, 25% showed a substantial decrease and 10% a substantial increase in viral load after the camp (>0.1 log10 change). Those who completed the survey (n=18) felt the camp helped them with confidence (13/18), teamwork (13/18), and friendships (11/18). Quotes from participants reinforced this growing sense of community, confidence, and decreased personal stigma. One wrote “theater camp helped me know that I can do a lot of things in life to achieve my future goals although I am HIV positive” and another stated “it made me not feel sorry for being an HIV positive person.” Conclusion Our pilot program demonstrates creative arts programming has beneficial psychosocial effects, aids in community building, and potentially enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment. Further programs and studies should continue to investigate creative arts as an avenue for treatment support, self-expression, and community building among vulnerable populations such as adolescents and young adults with HIV. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Impact of using creative arts programming to support HIV treatment in adolescents and young adults in Eswatini

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara E. Ness ◽  
Vedika Agrawal ◽  
Danielle Guffey ◽  
Amanda Small ◽  
Tandzile Simelane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Community Building ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Creative Arts ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Arts Programming

Abstract Background In 2018, approximately 1.6 million adolescents (aged 10–19) were living with HIV worldwide, with the highest HIV prevalence found in Eswatini. Adolescents and young adults living with HIV are a vulnerable population due to unique psychosocial challenges that come with having a stigmatizing disease. This group struggles more than other age-groups with medication adherence and requires novel approaches to supporting treatment, including peer-group encouragement, and self-expression. Methods We piloted a theater camp for a group of adolescents and young adults enrolled at our HIV clinic in Mbabane, Eswatini, to determine the impact of having an outlet for creative expression and peer support on treatment and feelings of stigma. Pre- and post-camp surveys were administered to the participants to assess perceived stigma and impact of the camp. The results were analyzed using a Wilcoxon-signed rank test. Results Twenty individuals (ages 12–23) living with HIV participated in the camp concurrently with standard treatment. 25% showed a substantial decrease in viral load within six months of completing the camp (> 0.1 log10 change) while only 10% showed a substantial increase. Those who completed the survey felt the camp helped them with confidence, teamwork, and friendships. A comparison of pre- and post- surveys showed an overall decrease in personalized stigma. Quotes from participants reinforced these results. Conclusions Adolescents and young adults living with HIV are an important population for further program development. Our study showed creative arts programming has beneficial psychosocial effects, aids in community building, and potentially enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment. Further programs and studies should continue to investigate creative arts as an avenue for self-expression and community building among vulnerable populations.

scholarly journals Cancer in HIV-positive and HIV-negative adolescents and young adults in South Africa: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. e043941
Author(s):  
Tafadzwa Dhokotera ◽  
Julia Bohlius ◽  
Matthias Egger ◽  
Adrian Spoerri ◽  
Jabulani Ronnie Ncayiyana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Laboratory Service ◽  
Living With Hiv

ObjectiveTo determine the spectrum of cancers in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with and without HIV in South Africa.DesignCross-sectional study with cancer records provided by the National Cancer Registry (NCR) and HIV records from the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).Setting and participantsThe NHLS is the largest provider of pathology services in the South African public sector. The NCR is a division of the NHLS. We included AYAs (aged 10–24 years) diagnosed with cancer by public health sector laboratories between 2004 and 2014 (n=8479). HIV status was obtained through record linkages and text mining.Primary and secondary outcomesWe determined the spectrum of cancers by HIV status in AYAs. We used multivariable logistic regression to describe the association of cancer in AYAs with HIV, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity and calendar period. We imputed (post hoc) the HIV status for AYA with unknown HIV status.Results8479 AYAs were diagnosed with cancer, HIV status was known for 45% (n=3812). Of those whose status was known, about half were HIV positive (n=1853). AYAs living with HIV were more likely to have Kaposi’s sarcoma (adjusted OR (aOR) 218, 95% CI 89.9 to 530), cervical cancer (aOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.89), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.69 to 2.66) and anogenital cancers other than cervix (aOR 2.73, 95% CI 1.27 to 5.86) than AYAs without HIV. About 44% (n=1062) of AYAs with HIV-related cancers had not been tested for HIV.ConclusionsTargeted HIV testing for AYAs diagnosed with cancer, followed by immediate start of antiretroviral therapy, screening for cervical precancer and vaccination against human papilloma virus is needed to decrease cancer burden in AYAs living with HIV in South Africa.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Support Interventions for Improved Adherence and Retention in ART care for Young People Living with HIV: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emeka Francis Okonji ◽  
Ferdinand C. Mukumbang ◽  
Zaida Orth ◽  
Shelley A. Vickerman-Delport ◽  
Brian Van Wyk
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Young People ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background: Mental health disorders such as high levels of anxiety, isolation, depression and suicide ideation reported among young people living with HIV (10-24; YPLWH) contribute significantly to poor medication adherence and retention in care. While there is evidence supporting the role of psychosocial support interventions in promoting adherence and retention in antiretroviral treatment (ART) among adults living with HIV, there is little evidence on the role of psychosocial support on medication adherence among YPLWH . This scoping review was designed to identify and classify the types and effects of psychosocial support interventions designed to improve adherence and retention in ART among adolescents and young people living with HIV globally. Method: We searched six electronic databases (i.e., Scopus, Pubmed and EBSCOHost (Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Psycarticles and Medline). Six relevant articles published between 2011 and 2019 met our inclusion criteria. We extracted information relevant to the nature and outcomes of the reported interventions using thematic content analysis informed by the Population, Intervention, comparison, outcome, and time (PICOT) framework. Results: Four distinctive treatment modalities that focused on improving ART adherence and retention in care were identified: individual counselling, support groups, family-centered services, and treatment supporters. Conclusion: There is a dearth of psychosocial support interventions to improve adherence and retention in ART amongst adolescents and young adults living with HIV. Future research and programming should seek to address psychosocial support interventions or approaches specifically designed to address the needs of adolescents and young adults living with HIV.PROSPERO: Registration CRD42018105057

scholarly journals Psychosocial Support Interventions for Improved Adherence and Retention in ART care for Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emeka Francis Okonji ◽  
Ferdinand C. Mukumbang ◽  
Zaida Orth ◽  
Shelley A. Vickerman-Delport ◽  
Brian Van Wyk
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Young People ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background: Mental health disorders such as high levels of anxiety, isolation, depression and suicide reported among adolescents and young people living with HIV contribute significantly to poor medication adherence and retention in care. While there is evidence supporting the role of psychosocial support interventions in promoting adherence and retention in antiretroviral treatment (ART) among adults living with HIV, there is little evidence on the role of psychosocial support on medication adherence among adolescents living with HIV. This scoping review was designed to identify and classify the types and effects of psychosocial support interventions designed to improve adherence and retention in ART among adolescents and young people living with HIV globally. Method: We searched six electronic databases (i.e., Scopus, Pubmed and EBSCOHost (Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Psycarticles and Medline). Six relevant articles published between 2011 and 2019 met our inclusion criteria. We extracted information relevant to the nature and outcomes of the reported interventions using thematic content analysis informed by the Population, Intervention, comparison, outcome, and time (PICOT) framework. Results: Four distinctive treatment modalities that focused on improving ART adherence and retention in care were identified: individual counselling, support groups, family-centered services, and treatment supporters. Conclusion: There is a dearth of psychosocial support interventions to improve adherence and retention in ART amongst adolescents and young adults living with HIV. Future research and programming should seek to address psychosocial support interventions or approaches specifically designed to address the needs of adolescents and young adults living with HIV.

scholarly journals Cancer risk among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in South Africa: a national cohort study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yann Ruffieux ◽  
Tafadzwa Dhokotera ◽  
Mazvita Muchengeti ◽  
Lina Bartels ◽  
Victor Olago ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Kaposi Sarcoma ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Cd4 Cell

Background: We studied the incidence of and risk factors for various types of cancers in adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALWH) in South Africa between 2004 and 2014. Methods: We included individuals aged 15 to 24 years from the South African HIV Cancer Match study, a large cohort resulting from a linkage between HIV-related laboratory measurements from the National Health Laboratory Services and records from the National Cancer Registry. We computed incidence rates for the most common cancers. We assessed associations between these cancers and sex, age, calendar year, and CD4 cell count using Cox models and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR).Findings: We included 782,454 AYALWH (89% female). Of those, 867 developed incident cancer including 429 who developed Kaposi sarcoma, 107 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 48 Hodgkin lymphoma, 45 cervical cancer, and 32 leukaemia. Kaposi sarcoma was more common in the 20-24 year age group than the 15-19 year age group (aHR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03-1.86). Male sex was associated with higher rates of Kaposi sarcoma (aHR 2.06, 95% CI 1.61-2.63), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (aHR 3.17, 95% CI 2.06-4.89), Hodgkin lymphoma (aHR 4.83, 95% 2.61-8.93), and leukaemia (aHR 5.90, 95% CI 2.87-12.1). Lower CD4 cell counts at baseline were associated with higher rates of Kaposi sarcoma, cervical cancer, non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma.Interpretation: Infection-related cancers are the most common cancer types among AYALWH in South Africa. The burden of these cancers may be reduced through HPV vaccination, targeted HIV testing, early initiation of antiretroviral therapy, and improvement of treatment adherence.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Support Interventions for Improved Adherence and Retention in ART care for Young People Living with HIV (10-24 years): A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emeka Francis Okonji ◽  
Ferdinand C. Mukumbang ◽  
Zaida Orth ◽  
Shelley A. Vickerman-Delport ◽  
Brian Van Wyk
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Young People ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background: Mental health disorders such as high levels of anxiety, isolation, depression and suicide ideation reported among young people living with HIV (10-24 years; YPLWH) contribute significantly to poor medication adherence and retention in care. While there is evidence supporting the role of psychosocial support interventions in promoting adherence and retention in antiretroviral treatment (ART) among adults living with HIV, there is little evidence on the role of psychosocial support on medication adherence among YPLWH . This scoping review was designed to identify and classify the types and effects of psychosocial support interventions designed to improve adherence and retention in ART among adolescents and young people living with HIV globally.Method: We searched six electronic databases (i.e., Scopus, Pubmed and EBSCOHost (Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Psycarticles and Medline). Six relevant articles published between 2011 and 2019 met our inclusion criteria. We extracted information relevant to the nature and outcomes of the reported interventions using thematic content analysis informed by the Population, Intervention, comparison, outcome, and time (PICOT) framework.Results: Four distinctive treatment modalities that focused on improving ART adherence and retention in care were identified: individual counselling, support groups, family-centered services, and treatment supporters.Conclusion: There is a dearth of psychosocial support interventions to improve adherence and retention in ART amongst adolescents and young adults living with HIV. Future research and programming should seek to address psychosocial support interventions or approaches specifically designed to address the needs of adolescents and young adults living with HIV.PROSPERO: Registration CRD42018105057

scholarly journals Psychosocial Support Interventions for Improved Adherence and Retention in ART care for Young People Living with HIV (10-24 years): A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emeka Francis Okonji ◽  
Ferdinand C. Mukumbang ◽  
Zaida Orth ◽  
Shelley A. Vickerman-Delport ◽  
Brian Van Wyk
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Young People ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background: Mental health disorders such as high levels of anxiety, isolation, depression and suicide ideation reported among young people living with HIV (10-24 years; YPLWH) contribute significantly to poor medication adherence and retention in care. While there is evidence supporting the role of psychosocial support interventions in promoting adherence and retention in antiretroviral treatment (ART) among adults living with HIV, there is little evidence on the role of psychosocial support on medication adherence among YPLWH. This scoping review was designed to identify and classify the types and effects of psychosocial support interventions designed to improve adherence and retention in ART among adolescents and young people living with HIV globally.Method: We searched six electronic databases (i.e., Scopus, Pubmed and EBSCOHost (Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Psycarticles and Medline). Six relevant articles published between 2011 and 2019 met our inclusion criteria. We extracted information relevant to the nature and outcomes of the reported interventions using thematic content analysis informed by the Population, Intervention, comparison, outcome, and time (PICOT) framework.Results: Four distinctive treatment modalities that focused on improving ART adherence and retention in care were identified: individual counselling, support groups, family-centered services, and treatment supporters.Conclusion: There is a dearth of psychosocial support interventions to improve adherence and retention in ART amongst adolescents and young adults living with HIV. Future research and programming should seek to address psychosocial support interventions or approaches specifically designed to address the needs of adolescents and young adults living with HIV.PROSPERO: Registration CRD42018105057

scholarly journals “How am I going to live?”: exploring barriers to ART adherence among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Uganda

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah MacCarthy ◽  
Uzaib Saya ◽  
Clare Samba ◽  
Josephine Birungi ◽  
Stephen Okoboi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Art Adherence ◽  
Living With Hiv

Skin cancer on Instagram: implications for adolescents and young adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey H. Basch ◽  
Grace C. Hillyer
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Protective Gear ◽  
Considerable Portion

AbstractGiven the popularity and reach of Instagram among American adolescents and young adults (AYA), the well-known influence of social media on the behaviors of youth, and the rising rates of melanoma in this age group, this study sought to examine and describe the content of a sample of Instagram posts related to skin cancer. At three different times, a search of Instagram was conducted using #skincancer as the hashtag. Descriptive analyses of Instagram characteristics and content was performed. Overall, content focused on prevention (33.3%), skin cancer treatment (29.3%) and preventive measures such as using sunscreen and protective gear (29.3%). Nearly one-quarter discussed the ABCDEs (Asymmetrical; Borders are irregular; Color is not even; Diameter is large; Evolving) of screening and detection. Instagram postings that covered skin cancer prevention (n = 50, 33.3%) more often discussed the role of sun exposure in the development of skin cancer (28.0% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.005) and use of sunscreen and protective gear (62.0% vs. 13.0%, p < 0.001). The findings of this study indicate that a considerable portion of the Instagram posts included in this study focused on prevention. Thus, indicating that Instagram could be used to promote health, particularly among AYA.

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