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Examining the relationship of social support and family cohesion on ART adherence among HIV-positive adolescents in southern Uganda: baseline findings
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Examining the relationship of social support and family cohesion on ART adherence among HIV-positive adolescents in southern Uganda: baseline findings

Christopher Damulira, Miriam N. Mukasa, William Byansi, Proscovia Nabunya, Apollo Kivumbi, Phionah Namatovu, Flavia Namuwonge, Daji Dvalishvili, Ozge Sensoy Bahar and Fred M. Ssewamala
Vulnerable children and youth studies, v 14(2), pp 181-190
01 Jan 2019
PMID: 31149021
url
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/6538035View
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Abstract

Family Studies Social Sciences
Several studies in sub-Saharan Africa have linked social support to better ART (antiretroviral therapy) adherence among adults living with HIV. Less is known about the role of social support and family cohesion in ART adherence among children below 18 years. This paper focuses on HIV-infected adolescents as they transition through the vulnerable developmental stage of adolescence to examine the association between family cohesion and social support, and ART adherence in southern Uganda. We utilized baseline data from Suubi+Adherence study, a five-year randomized longitudinal clinical trial with the overall goal of examining the impact and cost associated with an innovative asset-based social intervention to increase adherence to HIV treatment for HIV-infected adolescents in Uganda. This study employed self-reports to measure social support, family cohesion and ART adherence to treatment from 702 participants in 39 clinics situated in southern Uganda. Regression results indicated that after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics that family cohesion and social support from caregivers/family were associated with self-reported adherence to ART among HIV-infected adolescents. Social support from classmates, teachers, and friends were not associated with ART adherence. Study results suggest that strengthening family relationships and promoting social support within families caring for adolescents living with HIV can be crucial in addressing ART adherence challenges among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Collaboration types
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Family Studies
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