Other Titles

Barriers and Facilitators to HIV Healthcare Among Adolescents Living with HIV in East African Countries [Title Slide]

Abstract

The burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa remains a critical public health challenge, especially among adolescents. With approximately 67% of 38.4 million people living with HIV residing in Sub-Saharan Africa, the region accounted for a significant number of new infections and AIDS-related deaths. Recent data indicate that adolescents are less likely to engage in timely HIV care and exhibit poor adherence to treatment, leading to high mortality rates compared to adults and children. This scoping review explored the barriers and facilitators influencing healthcare access among ALHIV in East African countries. A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, and Scopus for studies published between 2009 and 2024, following JBI guidelines. Eligible studies focused on adolescents aged 10–19 A total of 24 studies from seven countries (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, and Ethiopia) met the inclusion criteria. Study designs included qualitative (n=11), quantitative (n=7), and mixed-methods (n=6) approaches. The main barriers identified were stigma and discrimination, economic hardship, health system limitations, and psychosocial challenges such as treatment fatigue and mental distress. Key facilitators included family and peer support, youth-friendly and community based models of care, supportive healthcare providers, and policy-level advocacy promoting adolescent-responsive services. Overall, the findings highlight the need for integrated, stigma-free, and adolescent-centered HIV services. Strengthening psychosocial support, improving accessibility, and promoting community engagement are essential for enhancing adherence and retention in care among ALHIV in East Africa.

Notes

Reference list included in attached slide deck.

Description

This session shares insights from a scoping review examining barriers and facilitators to HIV care among adolescents living with HIV in East Africa. Participants will explore how reducing stigma and strengthening psychosocial and community support can enhance treatment adherence, engagement, and access to adolescent-centered HIV services.

Author Details

Pacifique Mukangabire, is a PhD candidate in Nursing at the University of Alberta with over 18 years of experience in the nursing profession. Her career spans both clinical practice and academic teaching, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on patient care and nursing education. She has worked in hospital settings, delivering compassionate, evidence-based care, and has also contributed to the development of future nurses through her teaching role at the University of Rwanda’s School of Nursing. Her professional interests include advancing nursing knowledge, promoting quality patient outcomes, and strengthening nursing education globally. She is committed to lifelong learning and leadership within the nursing profession.

Sigma Membership

Alpha Beta Beta, Mu Sigma

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Other

Research Approach

Other

Keywords:

Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, HIV-Positive Persons, Adolescence, Health Care Delivery, Medically Underserved, Special Populations, Africa

Conference Name

37th International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Conference Year

2026

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Date of Issue

2026-07-23

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Barriers and Facilitators to HIV Healthcare Among Adolescents LWHIV in East African Countries

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa remains a critical public health challenge, especially among adolescents. With approximately 67% of 38.4 million people living with HIV residing in Sub-Saharan Africa, the region accounted for a significant number of new infections and AIDS-related deaths. Recent data indicate that adolescents are less likely to engage in timely HIV care and exhibit poor adherence to treatment, leading to high mortality rates compared to adults and children. This scoping review explored the barriers and facilitators influencing healthcare access among ALHIV in East African countries. A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, and Scopus for studies published between 2009 and 2024, following JBI guidelines. Eligible studies focused on adolescents aged 10–19 A total of 24 studies from seven countries (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, and Ethiopia) met the inclusion criteria. Study designs included qualitative (n=11), quantitative (n=7), and mixed-methods (n=6) approaches. The main barriers identified were stigma and discrimination, economic hardship, health system limitations, and psychosocial challenges such as treatment fatigue and mental distress. Key facilitators included family and peer support, youth-friendly and community based models of care, supportive healthcare providers, and policy-level advocacy promoting adolescent-responsive services. Overall, the findings highlight the need for integrated, stigma-free, and adolescent-centered HIV services. Strengthening psychosocial support, improving accessibility, and promoting community engagement are essential for enhancing adherence and retention in care among ALHIV in East Africa.