The impact of human immunodeficiency virus on adolescent: Sub-Saharan African perspective. A narrative review

Abstract

Background: Literatures maintained that HIV transmission amongst adolescent is a huge global public health concern with Sub-Sahara Africa not an exception. Owing to the adolescent vulnerable nature and the accompanying biological, psychological, social and behavioural changes at that stage, the adolescents are predisposed to high-risk behaviours, which escalate the spread and the impacts of HIV on them.
Objective/purpose: The purpose of this narrative review was to explore relevant literatures from computerized database, focusing on the impact of HIV on adolescent in Sub-Sahara Africa in order to synthesize their finding and portray the topic of discuss.
Methods: Unsystematic narrative review (Narrative review) of literatures was conducted which enabled the researchers in synthesizing the findings of literatures that were retrieved from computerised databases searches.
Results/conclusion: Owing to the escalating prevalence of HIV among adolescent in Sub-Sahara Africa and its health burden to sufferer, the family and the society at large, it is imperative for health care practitioners to be more proactive in mitigating the negative impacts on adolescents. Adolescents are the futures of the society hence quality of health care should be promoted across the society. Therefore, this review in no doubt contributes to research and knowledge in terms of mitigating the impacts of HIV on adolescents in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Keywords: Adolescents, Human Immunodeficiency, Impact, Virus.