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 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

Perception of Inpatient Oncologic Rehabilitation in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed with Cancer in Switzerland

2020 ◽  
Vol 232 (06) ◽  
pp. 294-299
Author(s):  
Maria Otth ◽  
Sibylle Denzler ◽  
Sibylle Schmid ◽  
Birgitta Setz ◽  
Katrin Scheinemann
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Inpatient Rehabilitation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Specialized Institutions ◽  
Strobe Statement

Abstract Background Inpatient rehabilitation improves physical and psychosocial performance in childhood cancer patients and their families. Two kinds of inpatient rehabilitation are available in specialized institutions in Germany: family-oriented rehabilitation or peer group-oriented rehabilitation for adolescents and young adults (AYA). Our study aimed to find out what Swiss childhood and AYA cancer patients and their families thought about the rehabilitation programs in which they had participated. Patients and methods We conducted a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study of Swiss childhood and AYA cancer patients and their families whose inpatient rehabilitation stays were scheduled to take place in Germany between May 2012 and March 2019. We analyzed the data descriptively and present our findings in accordance with the STROBE statement. Results Of the 57 eligible families contacted, 38 (67%) responded. Most rated the rehabilitation stay as very good (68%) or good (26%). Nearly all participants emphasized that these programs should be available to all affected patients and their families. Most (80%) thought the program gave them enough valuable information to enable them to cope with daily life after the stay ended. Only one fifth (19%) of the rehabilitation stays were fully funded by the health or disability insurance. Conclusion Participants expressed an overwhelmingly positive opinion about the rehabilitation programs they attended. We are convinced that childhood and AYA cancer patients and their families in Switzerland benefit from these programs and encourage insurances to cover the costs.

scholarly journals Generalized Joint Hypermobility and Anxiety in Adolescents and Young Adults, the Impact on Physical and Psychosocial Functioning

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 525
Author(s):  
Janneke de Vries ◽  
Jeanine Verbunt ◽  
Janine Stubbe ◽  
Bart Visser ◽  
Stephan Ramaekers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Pain Catastrophizing ◽  
Joint Hypermobility ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
P Value ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Generalized Joint Hypermobility ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study was to study the association between the presence of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and anxiety within a non-clinical high performing group of adolescents and young adults. Second, to study the impact of GJH and/or anxiety on physical and psychosocial functioning, 168 adolescents and young adults (mean (SD) age 20 (2.9)) were screened. Joint (hyper)mobility, anxiety, and physical and psychosocial functioning were measured. In 48.8% of all high performing adolescents and young adults, GJH was present, whereas 60% had symptoms of anxiety. Linear models controlled for confounders showed that adolescents and young adults with GJH and anxiety had decreased workload (ß (95%CI) −0.43 (−0.8 to −0.08), p-value 0.02), increased fatigue (ß (95%CI) 12.97 (6.3–19.5), p-value < 0.01), and a higher level of pain catastrophizing (ß (95%CI) 4.5 (0.5–8.6), p-value 0.03). Adolescents and young adults with only anxiety had increased fatigue (ß (95%CI) 11 (4.9–19.5). In adolescents and young adults with GJH alone, no impact on physical and psychosocial functioning was found. Adolescents and young adults with the combination of GJH and anxiety were significantly more impaired, showing decreased physical and psychosocial functioning with decreased workload, increased fatigue, and pain catastrophizing. Presence of GJH alone had no negative impact on physical and psychosocial functioning. This study confirms the association between GJH and anxiety, but especially emphasizes the disabling role of anxiety. Screening for anxiety is relevant in adolescents and young adults with GJH and might influence tailored interventions.

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

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 A Cross-Sectional Survey Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Cancer Care of Adolescents and Young Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 3201-3213
Author(s):  
Kaitlyn Howden ◽  
Camille Glidden ◽  
Razvan G. Romanescu ◽  
Andrew Hatala ◽  
Ian Scott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
The Impact

We aimed to describe the negative and positive impacts of changes in cancer care delivery due to COVID-19 pandemic for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in Canada, as well as the correlates of negative impact and their perspectives on optimization of cancer care. We conducted an online, self-administered survey of AYAs with cancer living in Canada between January and February 2021. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with a negative impact on cancer care. Of the 805 participants, 173 (21.5%) experienced a negative impact on their cancer care including delays in diagnostic tests (11.9%), cancer treatment (11.4%), and appointments (11.1%). A prior diagnosis of mental or chronic physical health condition, an annual income of <20,000 CAD, ongoing cancer treatment, and province of residence were independently associated with a negative cancer care impact (p-value < 0.05). The majority (n = 767, 95.2%) stated a positive impact of the changes to cancer care delivery, including the implementation of virtual healthcare visits (n = 601, 74.6%). Pandemic-related changes in cancer care delivery have unfavorably and favorably influenced AYAs with cancer. Interventions to support AYAs who are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of the pandemic, and the thoughtful integration of virtual care into cancer care delivery models is essential.

Day-to-Day Decision Making by Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

2022 ◽  
pp. 275275302110687
Author(s):  
Kimberly A. Pyke-Grimm ◽  
Linda S. Franck ◽  
Bonnie Halpern-Felsher ◽  
Robert E. Goldsby ◽  
Roberta S. Rehm
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Life Threatening Illness ◽  
The Impact

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer must negotiate the transition between childhood and adulthood while dealing with a life-threatening illness. AYA involvement in decision making varies depending on the type of decision and when decisions occur during treatment, and evidence suggests that AYAs want to be involved in decision making. Objective: To explore involvement of AYAs with cancer in day-to-day decisions affected by their cancer and treatment. Methods: This qualitative study used interpretive focused ethnography within the sociologic tradition, informed by symbolic interactionism. Semi-structured interviews and informal participant observation took place at two quaternary pediatric oncology programs. Results: Thirty-one interviews were conducted with 16 AYAs ages 15 to 20 years. Major day to day decision-making categories identified included: (1) mental mindset, (2) self-care practices, (3) self-advocacy, and (4) negotiating relationships. Participants described how they came to grips with their illness early on and decided to fight their cancer. They described decisions they made to protect their health, how they advocated for themselves and decisions they made about relationships with family and friends. Conclusions: Through day-to-day decisions, participants managed the impact of cancer and its treatment on their daily lives. Research should focus on developing and implementing interventions to empower AYAs to participate in day-to-day decisions that will affect how they manage their cancer, its treatment and ultimately their outcomes. Implications for Practice: Healthcare providers can facilitate AYA's participation in day-to-day decision making through encouraging autonomy and self-efficacy by providing support and through effective communication.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document