Acceptance and Experience of HIV-Infected Adolescents in Two Hospitals in Yaoundé

Abstract

Introduction: Access to antiretroviral drugs has improved the survival of children infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). As they reach adolescence, they are confronted with various constraints related to the infection and its treatment, in addition to those of the growth period they are going through. The main aim of the study was to assess the acceptance and describe the experience of HIV infection by infected adolescents but also to investigate the factors associated with good acceptance and a positive experience. Methodology: The cross-sectional analytic study concerned HIV-infected adolescents aged 15 to 19 followed up at the Chantal Biya Foundation-Mother and Child Centre (CME-FCB) and the Yaoundé University Hospital Centre (CHUY) between February 2020 and June 2020. The study saw participants complete a questionnaire containing socio-demographic data and assessing acceptance and experience with the infection. Data analysis was accomplished using Epi info software version 7.2.2.6. Results: One hundred and thirteen HIV-infected adolescents were included in the study. The sex ratio was 0.68 and the mean age was 17 years. More than half of the adolescents had a good acceptance and positive experience with the infection. Related factors were the adolescent’s perception of good health and participation in an association with other infected adolescents. Conclusion: Emphasizing the psychological and educational follow-up of infected adolescents and encouraging their participation in associations for adolescents living with HIV could reduce the consequences of poor acceptance and ensure a better transition to adulthood.