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The Impact of a Peer Mentor Intervention on Internalized Stigma, Mindfulness, and Adherence to Antiretroviral Medication among Adolescents Living with HIV in Zambia

Based on a step-wedge randomized control trial (intervention n = 136; comparison n = 137), this study investigated the impact of a peer mentor intervention for youth living with HIV aged 15-24 years in Ndola, Zambia. Using piecewise hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), change in internalized stigma predicted change in mindfulness, and mindfulness was a significant predictor of better self-reported adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) across both intervention groups. Intervention group membership did not predict rate of change in mindfulness, but predicted a reduction in internalized stigma and an increase in self-reported ART adherence. Following the peer mentor intervention, internalized stigma was significantly lower in the intervention group than the comparison group. Findings highlight the need to develop and implement interventions specific to adolescents living with HIV with a biopsychosocial approach that attends to both the physical and psychological needs specific to adolescents. Our findings support the inclusion of mindfulness-based components in interventions targeting ART adherence for adolescents living with HIV.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1833418
Date08 1900
CreatorsCaldas, Stephanie
ContributorsMurrell, Amy R., Contractor, Ateka A., Ruggero, Camilo J.
PublisherUniversity of North Texas
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
Formatviii, 151 pages, Text
RightsPublic, Caldas, Stephanie, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved.

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