“Whenever you need support, you first turn to the group”: motivations and functions of WhatsApp groups for youth living with HIV

Elise Healy, Gabrielle O’Malley, Cyrus Mugo, Anne Kaggiah, David Seeh, Alex Muriithi, Alana R. Lopez, Manasi Kumar, Brandon Guthrie, Megan Moreno, Grace John-Stewart, Irene Inwani, Keshet Ronen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Social support is a critical component of achieving positive health outcomes for youth living with HIV (YLWH). Mobile health (mHealth) has significant potential for providing social support to YLWH. However, little is known about the domains of social support most needed by YLWH which mHealth interventions might address. Drawing on the spontaneous creation of WhatsApp support groups by YLWH in Nairobi, Kenya, we characterized Kenyan YLWH’s social support needs and potential roles of social media groups in meeting them. We conducted interviews and focus-groups with 68 YLWH, 24 caregivers and 20 healthcare workers, and observed two YLWH-led WhatsApp groups for 6 weeks. Youth reported that existing support systems, including family and healthcare workers, already provided informational and instrumental support. However, they emphasized unmet companionship and emotional support needs, leading to isolation, hopelessness, and medication adherence challenges. Participants identified connection with other YLWH as a unique source of emotional and companionship support that allowed them to feel more secure and less isolated. Interviews and observed WhatsApp chats demonstrated that WhatsApp groups were a desirable medium for companionship support that overcame barriers to in-person connection.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)437-446
Number of pages10
JournalAIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV
Volume35
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • WhatsApp
  • Youth living with HIV
  • mHealth
  • social media
  • social support

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