Understanding friendships in BAH youth
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding friendships in young people with behaviourally acquired HIV
IRAS ID
177302
Contact name
Sharon Clutterbuck
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Despite dramatic advances in treatment since the discovery of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), adjustment to diagnosis is likely to be difficult, particularly for young people. Peer relationships are considered to be of central importance in young people (Furman & Buhrmester, 1992) and are likely to play a crucial part in managing the physical, psychological and social challenges associated with living with HIV. Research suggests that social support from friends and classmates facilitates young people’s adaptation to chronic health conditions and may help with the lifestyle aspects of treatment interventions (La Greca et al., 2002).
The research aims to explore the experiences of friendships in young people who have contracted HIV through sexual or drug use risk behaviour, referred to as behaviourally acquired HIV (BAH). It aims to investigate young people’s perceptions of friendships over time and whether they have changed as a result of HIV diagnosis. In particular, the research aims to identify the factors that impact on friendships in BAH youth and identify which aspects of friendships influence disclosure of HIV status to friends, and adjustment to diagnosis. The research will adopt a qualitative methodology in the form of Grounded Theory. Intensive, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 10 individuals with BAH aged 16-25 years old. Individuals will be recruited from two sexual health clinics in London. Given the importance of friendships in young people and the possible challenges facing those with HIV, it would be useful for health professionals working with BAH youth to better understand the factors that might impact their ability to live well with the condition. The findings might also help inform medical interventions, such as adherence to antiretroviral drugs.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0708
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion