Utilisation of communication technologies, HIV stigma and engagement in care among young adults : a case of Mildmay hospital Uganda

Abstract

The study examined the relationship between Utilisation of communication technologies and engagement in HIV care and how the relationship was moderated by HIV stigma. The study was guided by positivism and a correlational survey design, and data was collected using a structure questionnaire from a stratified random sample of 322 in and out of school young adults receiving HIV care at Mildmay Hospital. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test and regression analysis. Significant findings included; the use of communication technologies by young adults in receiving HIV care was low (mean=3.00, SD=1.34), while engagement in care was high (mean=3.75, SD=.99); Young adults who were in school had, significantly higher intentions to continue utilizing HIV care services (M = 28.32, t(219.5) = 2.48, p = .014) ; utilisation communication technologies was positively and significantly related to Engagement in HIV care(r =.14, P<0.05); and HIV stigma moderated the relationship between utilisation of communication technologies and engagement in HIV care (b =- .014, 95% CI [0.003, 0.026], t = 2,42, p < .05). Communication technologies can help reduce HIV stigma among young adults living with HIV and AIDS. However, the current methods used in Uganda are not effectively reaching these youths, as many are dependents and unemployed, making it difficult for them to afford smartphones or data for internet access. Despite these challenges, HIV-positive young adults have been able to regularly access their HIV care. The study recommends that while the use of communication technologies continues to expand, it is equally important to maintain and improve the existing non-digital communication systems used by HIV care programs to meet the needs of those who cannot access communication technology devices.