The use of photovoice in research with adolescents living with HIV in Africa: A scoping review.

Abstract

Background: Research involving adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) is challenging, as adolescents often struggle with articulating their experiences, a difficulty further compounded by HIV-related stigma, particularly in African contexts. Photovoice methods offer a valuable participatory approach, engaging and allowing participants to express and share their stories through visual representation, amplifying their voices in research.

Aim: The aim of this review is to map out and synthesise evidence on the use of photovoice methods in research with ALHIV in African contexts.

Setting: All countries in the African region were included.

Method: Eight electronic databases (ERIC, Ebscohost, PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHAL, PsycINFO, CABI Direct and Africa Index Medicus) were searched to identify articles that used photovoice methods with ALHIV in Africa to publish between 2000 and 2024. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) flowchart guided the screening and reporting of articles, with a narrative synthesis conducted.

Results: Three key themes emerged in this review: resilience, personal challenges and environmental factors faced by ALHIV. Despite its strengths as a participatory approach, photovoice methods remain underutilised in research involving ALHIV in African contexts.

Conclusion: This review demonstrates that high-quality photovoice studies can be effectively implemented in research with ALHIV in resource-constrained African settings with high HIV prevalence and stigma. Photovoice offers valuable insights to inform interventions aimed at improving the treatment outcomes and mental well-being of ALHIV, enhancing the relevance of such initiatives in these contexts.

Contribution: These findings can further inform policies and interventions aimed at the care, well-being and treatment outcomes of ALHIV within African countries.