The Contribution of Support groups on Adherence to care and treatment among HIV positive children aged between 7 and 15 years Cross-sectional study conducted in the HIV clinic of CHUK Kigali, Rwanda June 2011-May 2012.

Abstract

This quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out within pediatric HIV care and treatment clinic of CHUK, for a period of one year (From June 2011 to May 2012) focusing on the contribution of support groups to adherence on care and treatment among HIV positive children aged between 7 and 15 years. It was conducted on a sample of 104 children. Data were collected from the clinic, using an anonymous questionnaire that was administrated to participants. Children were provided with a written informed consent form before using the questionnaire, children’s parents and guardians signed it after reading and understanding it well. Objectives of the study Main Objective To evaluate the contribution of support groups, to improving HIV positive children’s health through a better adherence to care and treatment program within HIV clinic of the CHUK. Specific objectives - Measure the exposure of HIV positive children to support groups over 12 month; - Analyze the adherence status of those children to care and treatment, especially considering the records related to their follow up over 12 months; - Measure socio-demographic variables that led to success or failure of adherence on care and treatment program for HIV positive children. Methodology We have used an anonymous questionnaire to collect data. We also consulted medical files and different registers to complete our information on appointment keeping for pick-up of drugs, clinical and immunological data such as viral load measurements were also collected. Geographical, socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, education level and other relevant variables were also considered. After gathering all needed information, data entry was done through SPSS 16.0. The analysis was conducted according the above mentioned objectives. Pearson Chi-Square test was used to analyze frequencies of variables. x Results The study was applied to 104 HIV positive children who attend support groups within the HIV/AIDS clinic of CHUK. According to our study results, 76.9% of them come regularly to the HIV clinic to pick their drugs and attend support group sessions. Regarding drug pick up, 86.5% didn’t miss any appointment for the 12 months. Of 88.5% who were eligible for viral load measurement and for whom this laboratory test was done, 77.9% present a good outcome, which includes 44.2% of undetectable viral load and 34.7% of viral load below 1000 viral copies per ml among all regular support group members. Conclusion and recommendations The support groups are key for patient to have and maintain a good adherence on care and treatment of HIV and AIDS. The HIV positive children are more enthusiastic, collaborative, responsible and confident when taking drugs knowing the reasons and the importance of doing so and this is helpful for parents/guardians too. Based on experience from CHUK, the Rwandan Ministry of Health through RBC, its partners and all concerned stakeholders should put more emphasis on psychosocial support program at all health facility levels. For other researchers  To extend the research in number of clinics, in both urban and rural areas, considering all ages of HIV positive patients and comparing clinics implementing support groups and those without this intervention;  To explore and know the reason why psychosocial support interventions are not as considered as other HIV clinical services, while they consist a pillar of adherence to care and treatment.