Youth advisory board engagement in HIV research in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review and additional youth perspectives.

Abstract

Background: Engaging young people (10-24 years old) in research has been shown to improve the uptake and impact of HIV interventions in youth. However, how youth are engaged in Youth Advisory Boards (YABs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains under-explored. Therefore, we conducted a scoping review and reflected on YAB members' experiences to examine YABs in youth HIV research.

Methods: We conducted this study using a two-phase process. In phase one, we conducted a scoping review searching seven literature databases for peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2014 and 2024 that reported on YABs embedded within youth HIV research focused on people aged 10-24 years in LMICs. Data were synthesised to describe YAB composition, roles, and activities as well as the extent and timing of youth engagement. Phase two included integrating the lived experiences of co-authors, youth advocates and early-career researchers with prior YAB involvement, to supplement and contextualise the findings.

Results: Of 248 unique citations, 10 studies from five countries met the inclusion criteria. Most YABs (67%) included more than 10 members, and the majority (87%) consisted exclusively of youth. Membership age, where specified, ranged mostly 10-24 years old (80%). YAB activities included providing feedback on intervention design, community engagement, and implementation activities. Most studies reflected shared decision-making between youth and adults. However, youth involvement was typically limited to the 'Planning' and 'Conducting' phases of research. Youth engagement was not formally evaluated in any study.

Conclusions: YABs are often used to support youth HIV research in LMICs, yet the nature and influence of their engagement remain under-evaluated. By integrating youth co-author reflections with published findings, this review highlights the need for more intentional, theory-informed, and sustained youth participation across all stages of research, as well as for the development and practical application of tailored evaluation frameworks.