Barriers to Provider-Delivered Sexual Behavior Counseling for Youth Living with HIV/AIDS in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Citation

Parker, Lisa; Maman, Suzanne; Pettifor, Audrey E.; Chalachala, Jean Lambert; Edmonds, Andrew; Golin, Carol Elaine; Moracco, Kathryn E.; & Behets, Frieda M.-T. F. (2013). Barriers to Provider-Delivered Sexual Behavior Counseling for Youth Living with HIV/AIDS in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Journal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services, 12(3-4), 294-313. PMCID: PMC3882125

Abstract

AIMS: The study aimed to understand providers' role in delivering HIV transmission prevention counseling to youth living with HIV (YLWH).
METHODS: We conducted 14 in-depth interviews with providers in Kinshasa, DRC.
RESULTS: Providers' lack of knowledge and comfort in talking to youth about sex because of cultural and religious beliefs about sexuality, coupled with confusion about legal issues related to youth and contraception, made it difficult for them to effectively counsel youth.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND POLICY: In order for providers to deliver effective prevention counseling to YLWH, clinics should follow adolescent-friendly clinic standards, provide counseling in an adolescent-friendly style, and institute an effective referral system for additional prevention services.
CONCLUSION: HIV prevention services can be improved through the creation of an adolescent-friendly environment and by providing "values clarification" and skill-based trainings so that providers are able to assess the role of their own beliefs and learn new skills.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15381501.2012.748585

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2013

Journal Title

Journal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services

Author(s)

Parker, Lisa
Maman, Suzanne
Pettifor, Audrey E.
Chalachala, Jean Lambert
Edmonds, Andrew
Golin, Carol Elaine
Moracco, Kathryn E.
Behets, Frieda M.-T. F.

PMCID

PMC3882125

ORCiD

Pettifor - 0000-0002-3387-0817