title: "I don't feel shy because I will be among others who are just like me…": The role of support groups for children perinatally infected with HIV in Zimbabwe.
abstract: As access to paediatric antiretroviral therapy (ART) continues to improve in sub-Saharan Africa, a new historically specific cohort of HIV-perinatally infected children surviving into adolescent has emerged. Although remarkable successes have been made clinically in keeping this cohort alive and in reasonable health, their social support experiences are still unknown. The research being reported here sought to explore peer social support experiences of HIV-perinatally infected children in Harare, Zimbabwe. In this article, we draw on 56 repeat in-depth interviews (IDIs) conducted in three phases and two focus group discussions (FGDs) with HIV-infected children (11-13 years). Additional interviews were held with 10 carers. Study findings suggested that both children and carers perceive support groups as a safe social space for learning and acquiring HIV information as well as gaining confidence. Additionally, findings highlighted the importance of consistency of participation. Structural and personal barriers to access and participation in support group were also identified. We conclude that support groups are a useful resource for HIV-infected children and therefore should be supported by stable funding.
authors.affiliation: Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, 9 Monmouth Rd Avondale West, Harare, Zimbabwe ; Centre for Sexual Health & HIV Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom ; Centre for Sexual Health & HIV AIDS Research Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: Zivai
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Mupambireyi
authors.affiliation: Centre for Research on Drugs and Health Behaviour, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bernays
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: Mutsa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bwakura-Dangarembizi
authors.affiliation: Centre for Sexual Health & HIV Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Frances M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Cowan
keywords: Children; Coping; Perinatal HIV infection; Social space; Support groups