Role of Community Health Nurses in Addressing HIV/AIDS Treatment Interruption Rate Among Young Adult Patients in Sesobe Cluster, Bojanala District, Northwest, South Africa ^†

Background: Young adults are heavily impacted by HIV, with poor healthcare retention and high mortality. They often face unique challenges in treatment adherence due to social and personal barriers. Nurses play a key role in HIV/AIDS care, especially through community-based approaches like differentiated models of care (DMOC). This study examines the role of community health nurses in addressing the HIV/AIDS treatment interruption rate amongst young adult patients. Methods: This study was carried out using a qualitative research approach, utilizing a phenomenological and exploratory–descriptive design to investigate the role of community health nurses in addressing and preventing HIV/AIDS treatment interruption among young adults. Eight participants participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews utilizing an interview guide, and data saturation was reached. Additionally, community health nurses who had worked with ART patients and programs daily for more than two years were purposively selected to participate in this study, with non-probability purposive sampling being employed. Data analysis was conducted using open-tech coding. Results: Three themes emerged regarding the role of community health nurses in addressing the treatment interruption rate. These include the role played by community health nurses, such as providing health education; the challenges faced by community health nurses; and the support systems needed for community health nurses. Conclusion: This study underscores that going back to the basics of primary prevention and health promotion through health education is proven to be the key role that community nurses can utilize in reducing the treatment interruption rate among young people who are living with HIV/AIDS. Moreover, this study further indicated that despite the roles that community nurses assume in HIV/AIDS care, challenges such as limited resources and cultural practices are prominent. Thus, this paper recommends establishing a community-led approach in the provision of HIV/AIDS care. This involves the development of cost-effective and culturally appropriate HIV/AIDS interventions aimed at promoting adherence and self-care among young adults.