Health educational interventions for adolescents living with HIV: A scoping review

Background

Adolescents living with HIV face unique challenges as they gain greater independence while transitioning into adulthood. They must adjust their self-management activities and take primary responsibility for their health, including adhering to medication regimens and attending clinic visits. These young individuals need to acquire knowledge about HIV and Antiretroviral treatment to manage their condition and improve their health outcomes effectively. This study aims to map existing interventions for adolescents with HIV, focusing on the types, content, and best practices that enhance their understanding of both HIV and Antiretroviral treatment.

Methods

The scoping review utilised a Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework to map the relevant literature. We searched the CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE (via PubMed), ProQuest, Science Direct, and Scopus databases for studies published between January 1, 2000, and January 31, 2023. We selected studies using the inclusion criteria. Studies included health education programs as the intervention, which developed or implemented strategies to improve knowledge and skills related to HIV and self-management of antiretroviral treatment adherence among this population.

Results

Only five (5) studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Three (3) broad categories emerged from the analysis of the scoping review: the nature of interventions available for Adolescents living with HIV, the content of existing interventions, and best practices. The findings revealed limited evidence of programs aimed at adolescents in various settings. Most notable was the paucity of evidence on programs targeting Adolescents living with HIV, especially those that are designed to help them learn about their condition and associated treatment.

Conclusion

The review highlights the existence of limited evidence-based, context-specific, and consumer-tailored educational interventions for Adolescents living with HIV. More comprehensive, age-appropriate and personalised interventions are needed for adolescent self-management of HIV as a chronic health condition.