Abstract:
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) face the dilemmas
of adolescence combined with complex issues regarding living with a chronic
and stigmatizing conditions. This study aimed at identifying the psychosocial
stressors of ALHIV in Ghana and how these predict their overall quality of life.
METHODS: A mixed methods study was conducted among 98 ALHIV (80
and 18 respectively, for the quantitative and qualitative aspects), accessing
antiretroviral therapy services at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana.
Total sampling was used. Survey and in-depth interviews were used to satisfy
the quantitative and qualitative demands, respectively. Both were guided by
the HEADSSS psychosocial assessment tool- a structured clinical instrument
that touches on the major areas of adolescent psychosocial stress and provides
a useful screening profile. Quantitative data were analysed using the Stata
version 13 software, while the qualitative data were analysed thematically
using NVivo version 11.
RESULTS: A total of 52 (53.1%) constituted the younger ALHIV group
who were within the ages 10-14 years while 46 (46.9%) were older ALHIV between 15-19 years old. A majority of 48 (49.0%) had both parents alive
while over a fifth (n=22, 22.5%) were total orphans. The study found a high
psycho-social burden and a higher risk of mental health problems among
ALHIV. Indicators for depression, as observed were mainly; unfavourable
home situation, social isolation, body image disturbance and legitimate HIV
diagnosis related fears such as stigma, dying young, and not being able to
marry or have sexual relationships. Low level of sexual knowledge (29.9%)
and the ability to negotiate the use of condom (14.3%), were also observed.
CONCLUSION: Our study has generated evidence of a greater psychosocial
burden among Ghanaian ALHIV, with an associated threat to their quality of life
and survival. This warrants a prioritized need to strengthen their psychosocial care.
