Development and validation of a self-management intervention for adolescents living with HIV in Namibia

Adolescents living with HIV face significant challenges, including poor treatment adherence and increased morbidity. To address their unique self-management needs, this study developed and validated a self-management intervention for adolescents living with HIV in Namibia. A mixed-methods approach was employed at five Antiretroviral Clinics in northeastern Namibia. The intervention prototype was collaboratively developed with seven adolescents, two nurse practitioners, and one doctor, underpinned by Social Cognitive Theory. Content validation was conducted through focus group discussions with ten local stakeholders, who used a four-point Likert scale to evaluate the relevance of the session content. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to refine the intervention. Stakeholders rated the initial session content as highly relevant (62.5% average score on the Likert scale). The validation process led to collaborative changes, including a greater focus on coping strategies for managing stigma and anxiety. Participants also recommended adding practical skills such as medication adherence techniques, goal setting, and communication strategies. The final product is a six-session intervention designed to empower adolescents through skill-building and peer support. This study demonstrates that a structured collaborative framework is effective for developing and validating interventions tailored for adolescents living with HIV. Further testing is needed to assess the intervention's effectiveness in real-world settings.