Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a peer support intervention on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related information and self-management in HIV positive adolescents. Adolescents in this study referred to children in the age group 11 to 16 years. An intervention study, with outcomes assessed the intervention and immediately post-intervention.  Participants aged 11 to 16 years (N = 114) were recruited from three antiretroviral treatment (ART) clinics in Lusaka, and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Information on HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was given using an information leaflet entitled 'Let’s Talk about HIV and Living positively; How can young people with HIV live normally?’ After the intervention, the findings showed that 96% of the participants were knowledgeable that unprotected sex was the most common route of transmission of HIV. The belief that people with HIV should stop ART when they feel better; and that ART can have unwanted side effects decreased amongst the participants. Overall after the intervention, knowledge and belief about HIV and ART; and self-management improved. Peer support intervention using information leaflets seems to be useful strategy in improving knowledge and self management in HIV positive young people.

Keywords: HIV, young people, self-management, information.