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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Mental health and disclosure of HIV status in Zambian adolescents with HIV infection: Implications for peer-support programs
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, Volume 46, No. 3, Year 2007
Notification
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Description
OBJECTIVES: To examine emotional and behavioural difficulties in HIV positive Zambian adolescents and to determine the relationship between disclosure of HIV status and mental health. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Participants were 127 HIV positive adolescents aged 11 to 15 years recruited through clinics in the Lusaka region. Mental health was assessed using the youth report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Caregivers completed the parent SDQ. Sixty-two participants were invited for a semi-structured interview which probed views on attending a peer support group. RESULTS: Compared to a British community sample participants had increased mental health problems (OR, 2.1), particularly emotional symptoms (OR = 3.6) and peer problems (OR = 7.1). The majority of children (n = 94) were receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, but only 48 children (37.8%) had their HIV status disclosed. Those who had not had their HIV status disclosed were younger (P < 0.001) and less likely to be receiving ARV treatment (P < 0.001). Controlling for these factors they were also more likely to score in the abnormal range of the emotional difficulties subscale (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.11 to 6.26). Of 38 interviews transcribed, content analysis showed that only 3 children were opposed to participation in a peer-group program, with the majority (23/38) expressing reasoned and positive responses, regardless of disclosure status. CONCLUSION: High rates of emotional and peer problems were found in this sample but disclosure of HIV status did not have a negative effect on mental health. Interventions to promote disclosure could facilitate access to emotional and peer support. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
Authors & Co-Authors
Menon, Anitha J.
Zambia, Lusaka
University of Zambia
Glazebrook, Cris
United Kingdom, Nottingham
University of Nottingham
United Kingdom, Nottingham
Queen's Medical Centre
Campain, Nicholas
United Kingdom, Nottingham
University of Nottingham
Ngoma, Mary Shilalukey
Zambia, Lusaka
University Teaching Hospital Lusaka
Statistics
Citations: 154
Authors: 4
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1097/QAI.0b013e3181565df0
ISSN:
15254135
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Mental Health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Quantitative