Abstract #300  -  Adapting CHAMP positive: international perspectives. Champ+ Argentina
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Prof Arvin Bhana - Human Sciences Research Council
Additional Authors:  Prof Alejandra Bordato, Prof Carina  Miranda, Dr Rosa Bolgna,
Aim: To date, around 3000 cases of HIV/AIDS in children under the age of 13 have been reported in Argentina. With the advent of no cost ARV treatment these children are surviving and growing into adolescence. Joint studies by the departments of Infectious Diseases and Mental Health at Garrahan Hospital indicate that 60% of HIV+ children present with difficulties to treatment adherence. Furthermore preliminary analysis of interviews conducted with children (older than 6 years) showed that 63% had one or both parents deceased, they had a significantly greater number of stressful life events (i.e., parental illness and hospitalization) in comparison to non-infected children in this age group and 37% showed mild or moderate depression. Other studies have found that HIV+ children experience more emotional and behavioral problems than children with other non-stigmatizing chronic diseases. Specifically, HIV+ children exhibit greater attention and behavior difficulties. This suggests the need for specific interventions to improve adherence and promote physical and emotional health in this population. This presentation will explore the process of: 1. Adapting and piloting CHAMP+, an evidenced-based multiple family HIV prevention program for HIV+ youth and their families, to promote physical and mental health and prevent risk behaviors in the future; and 2. Identifying barriers and facilitators to implementing this intervention to a wider patient population in Argentina.
Method / Issue: This is a two-phase pilot study. We will discuss our phase I pre-intervention that consists of a consumer consultancy group meeting biweekly for 7 sessions over the course of 3 months. Consultancy groups consist of HIV+ youth aged 10 to 14 years, (who are aware of their HIV diagnosis) and their primary caregivers. Caregivers and youth will work together to: 1) identify salient issues related to being HIV positive, family communication, developing support networks, strategies for managing youth behavior, problem solving skills and development of family goals. Families will review existing curriculum to assess appropriateness of content and format to the Argentina context.
Results / Comments: Providers have successfully engaged 5 families as consultants. Consultancy groups are currently underway with 100% attendance to date. Preliminary discussions indicate the need to address disclosure, stigma and adherence. In addition, families have identified the need to address substance abuse as a major risk factor for HIV + youth and a significant stressor affecting families in Argentina.
Discussion: The use of consultancy groups in adapting CHAMP+ in Argentina is discussed. Issues related to the development of the CHAMP+ family-based intervention for Argentine youth who HIV positive is discussed, particularly in increasing support for families to help them cope with difficult situations and to find ways of better utilizing the resources available to them
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