Examining the Roles and Experiences of Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters (CATS) in Kumasi, Ghana
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Authors
Whittaker, Darby Pauline Anne
Date
2024-06-10
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
HIV/AIDS , Adolescents and Young Adults , Peer Leadership , Community-Based Participatory Research
Alternative Title
Abstract
Adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 to 24 are a particular population of concern
for HIV intervention. Mitigating high risk sexual practices can reduce the spread of HIV and
lower risk of transmission. Integral to HIV management and medication adherence is proper
psychosocial support and socially relevant resources for adolescents and young adults. In order
to address the challenges faced by individuals between the ages of 15 to 24, Ghana Health
Service implemented a peer leadership program which paired community adolescent treatment
supporters (CATS) with adolescents and young adults living with HIV. CATS are HIV positive
and display exemplary adherence to their medication, allowing them to support their peers that
may be struggling with medication and other HIV related issues. This research was guided by
four main objectives which sought to explore how CATS embody their roles, as well as how
their efforts contribute to achieving the 95-95-95 targets. Further, we explored the barriers that
adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Kumasi, Ghana face, as well as how strategies
are utilized to overcome these barriers and how these experiences are gendered. To address these
research objectives, we conducted semi-structured interviews with CATS (n=6), peer
adolescents, young adults (n=18), and key informants (n=7) from clinics. Results from this
research demonstrate the positive role that peer leaders play in advancing their peers along the
HIV care continuum, as well as providing key insights into the barriers that adolescents and
young adults living with HIV encounter. Findings from this study will help to illustrate the
importance of peer leadership and its role in facilitating connections between adolescents and
young adults who may be struggling, ultimately resulting in greater medication adherence and
more positive health outcomes.
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Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.