ArticleSouthern African journal of HIV medicine2019
Challenges to HIV treatment adherence amongst adolescents in a low socio-economic setting in Cape Town.
Article in Southern African journal of HIV medicine, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 51 papers, 3 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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Who cites it
51 citing papers in PubMed, 3 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 78 citations in OpenAlex.
- Determinants of HIV related mortality in African children on antiretroviral therapy: clinical and immunological insights from a systematic review and meta-analysis.AIDS research and therapy · 2025Pooled it
- Pooled it
- Interventions addressing the adolescent HIV continuum of care in South Africa: a systematic review and modified Delphi analysis.BMJ open · 2022Pooled it
- Understanding Adolescent Anti-Retroviral Therapy Use in the BREATHER-Plus Trial: Qualitative Findings From South Africa and Uganda.Journal of the International AIDS Society · 2026Trial
- The Effect of a Group-Based Mindfulness and Acceptance Training on Psychological Flexibility and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents in Uganda: An Open-Label Randomized Trial.Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS CareTrial
- Article
- Optimising Paediatric Medication Adherence Through Innovative Drug Formulations and Delivery Systems.Clinical pharmacokinetics · 2026Review
- Formative perceptions surrounding the use of a taggant-based adherence tool to measure antiretroviral therapy adherence in people with HIV.AIDS care · 2026Article
- The Association Between HIV Testing Modality and Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Selected Provinces of South Africa.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2026Article
- Perceptions of adolescents and young adults failing antiretroviral therapy on adherence in Gauteng, South Africa.Southern African journal of HIV medicine · 2026Article
- Challenges and Enablers of Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Ethiopian Adolescents: A Qualitative Study.International journal of sexual health : official journal of the World Association for Sexual Health · 2026Article
- Comparison of treatment outcomes of adolescents on HIV treatment before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Cape Town, South Africa: A retrospective cohort study.Health SA = SA Gesondheid · 2026Article
- Factors Associated with Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Adolescents Living with HIV in Eastern Cape Province.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2025Article
- Experiences and perceptions on antiretroviral therapy adherence and non-adherence: a scoping review of young people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.BMC public health · 2025Article
- Incidence of loss to follow-up and associated factors among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the context of elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in two health districts of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso.BMC women's health · 2025Article
- Family Social Support Mediates the Relationship Between the COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychosocial well-being in a Cohort of Young South Africans Newly Diagnosed with HIV.AIDS and behavior · 2025Article
- Tracking viral control in adolescents on antiretroviral therapy in Lusaka, Zambia: A retrospective cohort analysis.Southern African journal of HIV medicine · 2025Article
- Programmatic outcomes of adolescents in differentiated service delivery models in South Africa.Southern African journal of infectious diseases · 2025Article
- Trends and correlates in HIV viral load monitoring and viral suppression among adolescents and young adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH · 2024Article
- Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
2 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundDespite the successful rollout of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and steep declines in HIV incidence in South Africa, this has not been the case for adolescents (10-19 years). Adolescents on HIV treatment have lower rates of viral load suppression and adherence compared to adults and children.
objectivesThis article reports on the adherence challenges faced by adolescents receiving ART in a primary health care clinic in a low socio-economic urban setting in Cape Town.
methodAn exploratory qualitative design was employed where data were collected through four focus group discussions with adolescents (
resultsSchool commitments, strained teacher-learner relationships, negative household dynamics and ill treatment by non-biological caregivers were reported as major barriers to adherence. In addition, poor service delivery, missing or misplaced files and long waiting times came under major criticism. Fear of unintended disclosure of HIV status, stigma and discrimination, treatment fatigue and having unstructured lives negatively influenced adherence. Having a strong social support system and having life goals and ambitions were motivators to remain adherent.
conclusionThis study highlighted the complexity of ART adherence in the midst of juggling school, home life and personal life goals and aspirations. Interventions to improve adherence should address psychosocial factors such as treatment fatigue, disclosure and family and household dynamics, in addition to streamlining service delivery between the school and clinic.
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Registered trials
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