Friendships of youth with Perinatally Acquired HIV (Version 2)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Model of the Friendship Experiences of Young People Living with Perinatally Acquired HIV
IRAS ID
174940
Contact name
Sarah Mann
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
As a result of medical advances, young people with perinatally acquired HIV (PAH) are now living much longer beyond childhood. Factors affecting well being for this population during adolescence and early adulthood therefore need to be explored. One such area is that of friendships. Compared to people with behaviourally acquired HIV (BAH), research indicates that young people with PAH have fewer friends who know their HIV status, but more HIV positive friends. Possible explanations for this may include fears around the disclosure process, as well as pressure not to reveal the HIV status of family members given the stigma surrounding this condition. Consequently, access to social support in the form of friendships may be restricted for young people with PAH, which could be detrimental to their well being. This study aims to facilitate an exploration of friendships amongst this population by interviewing 8-10 young people aged between 16-25 diagnosed with PAH who attend either of the two London hospital outpatient clinics where the study is being conducted. One off interviews lasting up to 90 minutes will examine whether having PAH is perceived to influence the nature of friendships and if so how this might transpire, for example through decisions about disclosure. Information collected will be used to propose a model of friendships for this population, subsequently informing clinical work supporting the well being of young people with PAH through transition into adulthood.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0709
Date of REC Opinion
14 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion