Clare Cantwell
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Country: Ireland
Background: BSc Earth Sciences
Research Project: Children living with HIV in resource limited settings: towards effective treatment with ART
BACKGROUND: Without antiretroviral therapy (ART), children living with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will not survive to adulthood. ART has become widely available in resource rich countries but in resource limited settings much work needs to be done to scale up the provision of ART for children living with HIV. Children on ART in resource limited settings face a unique set of challenges. ART is not a cure for HIV but is a potentially live saving treatment if used effectively. The aim of this research was to investigate the factors which contribute to the effectiveness of ART among children living with HIV in resource limited settings.
METHODOLOGY: The research was undertaken through a systematic review of current literature on children on ART in resource limited settings. It followed a three stage process of planning the view, conducting the review and reporting the findings. Literature was identifies through a systematic search strategy and included a review if it met predetermined inclusion criteria. Literature was critically appraised to ensure that the quality of the studies included was appropriate. Data was then extracted from the literature a synthesised in a discussion from which conclusions were drawn and recommendations made.
CONCLUSION: The study identified a wide range of factors that influence the effectiveness of ART in children living with HIV in resource limited settings. Healthcare delivery, adherence to medication, accessibility and availability of ART, early diagnosis and treatment initiation, comprehensive monitoring and follow up strategies, the provision of family centred care and social support were the main factors identified in the review. The complex nature of HIV infection is reflected in the fact that these factors are highly interdependent. It is not only a health issue; social, political and economic issues have a huge influence on the health of a child on ART.