Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people living with HIV in Lesotho: a qualitative study

Shepherd, Thomas; Robinson, Michelle E; Ramaema, Maema; Rakuoane, Moraoetsi; Moletsane, Ntoli; Mpholo, Rafiloe; Mallen, Christian; Leigh, Graham

Abstract

Introduction: There is a growing body of research evidencing the detrimental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of young people. This impact may be worse in low-resource settings, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, where pandemic impacts may be exacerbated by poverty, limited healthcare access and other health epidemics including HIV. We explored the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on young people living with HIV in Lesotho to understand the experiences of HIV management, well-being, financial stability and education status. Methods: Thirty-one semistructured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with young people aged 15–19 years of age living with HIV from eight districts across Lesotho. Interviews were conducted in Sesotho, audio-recorded, later transcribed and translated to English prior to analysis. Analysis consisted of a thematic analysis using principles of constant comparison to explore key and emerging themes. Results: Analysis revealed five major themes: ‘financial instability and food insecurity’, ‘challenges to health and well-being’, ‘changing relationship dynamics’, ‘loss of educational opportunities’ and ‘understanding the threat of COVID-19’. Conclusions: While participants discussed being able to access antiretroviral therapy, this study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures on the mental health and well-being, financial stability and educational development of young people living with HIV in Lesotho.

Citation

Shepherd, T., Robinson, M. E., Ramaema, M., Rakuoane, M., Moletsane, N., Mpholo, R., …Leigh, G. (2024). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people living with HIV in Lesotho: a qualitative study. BMJ Public Health, 2(1), Article e000414. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjph-2023-000414

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 7, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 6, 2024
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jan 16, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 16, 2024
• Journal: BMJ Public Health
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: e000414
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjph-2023-000414
• Keywords: Public Health, COVID-19, HIV