Adaptation of Inuka coaching problem-solving therapy to support mental health and HIV medication adherence among status-neutral men who have sex with men in South Africa.

Background: Depression is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa and can impact their adherence to PrEP and ART. We developed the WeCare coaching intervention, adapted from the evidence-based Friendship Bench/Inuka problem-solving therapy program, to address their mental health challenges.

Methods: Twenty MSM with symptoms of mild to moderate depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores 5-14) and using PrEP or ART were recruited from two clinics in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Participants received adapted Inuka coaching (four individual and up to four group sessions). Mental health outcomes were assessed preintervention and postintervention using the SRQ-20. Postintervention in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with participants and lay health workers (LHWs). Qualitative data evaluated utility. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Median SRQ-score improved from preintervention to post-intervention assessment (p<0.001). Participants found coaching acceptable, qualitatively highlighting the value of a safe space to discuss emotional well-being. Key themes included: (1) need for cultural and contextual adaptation of coaching content; (2) stigma-related stressors shaping mental health and perceived engagement with ART/PrEP; and (3) LHWs expressed enthusiasm for delivering support but requested strengthened ART/PrEP literacy training.

Conclusion: Findings supported acceptability and feasibility and informed further development of the WeCare intervention.