Supporting authors of Ugandan young people living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic: A descriptive study

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant challenges for healthcare systems, particularly affecting young people living with HIV (YPLHIV). This study examines the experiences of YPLHIV in Kampala, Uganda, during the pandemic.

This cross-sectional study involving 154 YPLHIV aged 15-20. Participants completed surveys during their HIV health appointments. Descriptive statistics and Chi-Square tests assessed differences by sex and age (15-17 vs. 18-20 years old) regarding perceived risks, emotional impacts, and coping strategies.

The sample was 52 % female, with a mean age of 17.9. Almost all (90 %) of the sample acquired HIV perinatally. Medication adherence was varied, with half missing doses in the past thirty days. Older participants experienced more anxiety about COVID-19 and greater concern for loved ones compared to younger participants. Despite challenges, a majority of participants leveraged their experience of coping with HIV to manage the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants expressed increased gratitude for family and life.

The study highlights age-related differences and psychosocial challenges for YPLHIV during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for targeted research and supportive interventions. Findings may guide future nursing, midwifery, and healthcare interventions to enhance strategies that clinically bolster coping factors to support YPLHIV during routine and unexpected healthcare changes. Addressing these needs requires a targeted focus that consider this population's unique challenges.