Interventions by community adolescents treatment supporters (CATS) in improving adolescents HIV treatment, care and support: a case of Chitungwiza central hospital. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Shoko, Mufaro

Title

Interventions by community adolescents treatment supporters (CATS) in improving adolescents HIV treatment, care and support: a case of Chitungwiza central hospital.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the intervention of community adolescent’s treatment supporters (CATS) in improving adolescents HIV treatment, care and support to adolescents at Chitungwiza Central Hospital. Chitungwiza Central Hospital houses the largest number of CATS and adolescents in Chitungwiza. To this effect, the study had the following objectives which were to identify the services offered by CATS to adolescents living with HIV, to examine the advantages of CATS interventions and to develop a strategic plan to enhance the accessibility of CATS services by adolescents living with HIV. The Social Cognitive Theory by Albert Bandura was utilized as the theoretical framework for this study. With regard to the methodology a qualitative research methodology was adopted informed by a combination of focus group discussion with adolescents and key informant interviews with the help of stakeholders as data collection methods and of course consent to participate was sought from the participants. The study revealed the aspect relating to intervention of CATS and their relationship with adolescents living with HIV, the findings also indicated that they are advantages that come from the intervention and that they can be plans to increase accessibility of the interventions. The study recommended on the issue of strengthening and expanding the services offered in order to reach a larger group of adolescents, maximizing the benefits and also catalyzing change at management level. It is also crucial for social workers to advocate with authorities for services and resources to increase adolescents’ access to services offered by CATS.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

HIV Treatment

Community Adolescents Treatment Supporters

Supervisor

Mr. J. C. Magocha