Healthcare practitioners’ experiences in managing HIV among young people in Namibia

Abstract

Background: Low viral load suppression rates among older adolescents and young adults with HIV are a global challenge, including in Namibia. Healthcare providers struggle with managing these age groups due to their unique demographic characteristics. Monitoring viral load suppression is vital for evaluating antiretroviral treatment effectiveness, making it essential to identify and address existing gaps.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore and describe healthcare practitioners’ understanding and experiences in managing older adolescents and younger adults living with HIV in seven high-burden districts of Namibia.

Method: Qualitative descriptive phenomenological research was followed in this study. Healthcare practitioners directly managing older adolescents and younger adults living with HIV were purposively recruited. Telephonic individual interviews were conducted, and data saturation was achieved with the 29th participant. Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results: Two themes emerged from the study: (1) healthcare practitioners’ knowledge of viral load management and (2) the strategies employed to manage high viral load in these age groups. These strategies included implementing differentiated service delivery, adopting interprofessional and Ubuntu approaches, psychosocial support, community engagement, enhancing adherence counselling, and support from implementing partners.

Conclusion: The findings revealed inadequate knowledge among healthcare practitioners regarding viral load management, which negatively impacts the provision of quality care and an effective HIV response within the spirit of Ubuntu.

Contribution: This study enhances healthcare practitioners’ capacity in viral load management and guides policy makers in supporting this unique population, thus improving their health outcomes.