Support Groups for Caregivers of Adolescents With HIV - A Qualitative Analysis of Caregivers’ Experiences in Mozambique
Joana Falcão, Jennifer M. Belus, Ricardino Zandamela, Niklaus D. Labhardt, Aleny Couto, Allison Zerbe, Eduarda Pimental De Gusmão, Maja Weisser, Elaine J. AbramsBackground
Families are the primary source of care during adolescence, when HIV management is shared between adolescents with HIV (AHIV) and caregivers. Peer support interventions that improve caregiver well-being may strengthen AHIV self-management.
Methods
We conducted qualitative interviews with caregivers of AHIV to explore how peer group participation influenced support for AHIV self-management. This was a substudy from the CombinADO trial, which, from 2018 to 2023, evaluated an intervention to improve viral suppression among adolescents and young adults with HIV in Mozambique.
Results
53 caregivers were interviewed (median age 37; 74% female). Caregivers reported enhanced knowledge of disease and treatment clarified HIV negative beliefs augmented AHIV treatment adherence monitoring psychosocial changes, and improved caregiver-adolescent relationship quality.
Conclusions
Support groups for caregivers could strengthen caregivers’ role in supporting AHIV self-management. Expanding caregiver support groups may improve HIV care for AHIV in Mozambique and similar settings.