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29-04-2024 | Human Immunodeficiency Virus | Original Paper

Preliminary Impact of Group-Based Interventions on Stigma and the Mental Health of Caregivers of Adolescents Living with HIV in Uganda

Authors: Proscovia Nabunya, Samuel Kizito, Mitra Naseh, Atwebembere Raymond, Vicent Ssentumbwe

Abstract

This study examined the preliminary impact of group-cognitive behavioral therapy (G-CBT) and a family-strengthening intervention delivered via multiple family groups (MFG-FS) on HIV stigma, parenting stress, and the mental health of caregivers of adolescents living with HIV. We analyzed data from the Suubi4Stigma study (2020–2022), a two-year pilot randomized clinical trial for adolescents and their caregivers (N = 89 dyads), recruited from nine health clinics in Uganda. Adolescent-caregiver dyads were randomized to three intervention conditions delivered over three months, with data collected at baseline, three and six-months follow-up. We fitted mixed-effects linear regression models to test the effect of the interventions on caregiver outcomes over time. At six months, caregivers randomized to the MFG-FS condition reported lower levels of stigma by association (mean difference = -1.45, 95% CI = -2.52 – -0.38, p = 0.008), and stigma and discrimination attitudes (mean difference = -3.84, 95% CI = -4.63 – -3.05, p < 0.001), compared to Usual care condition. In addition, caregivers of adolescents randomized to the G-CBT condition reported lower levels of stigma and discrimination attitudes at three months (mean difference = -5.18, 95% CI = -9.13 – -1.22, p = 0.010), and at six months (mean difference = -6.70, 95% CI = -9.28 – -4.12, p < 0.001). Caregiver mental health and parenting stress significantly reduced over time regardless of intervention condition. Findings point to the importance of incorporating stigma reduction components within psychosocial interventions targeting adolescents and families impacted by HIV.

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Title: Preliminary Impact of Group-Based Interventions on Stigma and the Mental Health of Caregivers of Adolescents Living with HIV in Uganda
Authors: Proscovia Nabunya
Samuel Kizito
Mitra Naseh
Atwebembere Raymond
Vicent Ssentumbwe
Publication date: 29-04-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Published in: AIDS and Behavior
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04353-8

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