Study Title: A mixed methods process evaluation of HIV prevention services in rural South Africa
Background
Combination prevention interventions integrated with community-based support have shown to benefit adolescent and young people’s sexual and reproductive health. The trial aimed to evaluate the delivery of HIV prevention and care among young people through integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health (HIV/SRH) interventions with or without peer support.
Methods
The process evaluation used mixed methods including quantitative and qualitative approaches. Surveys, clinic and programmatic data were used to quantify intervention uptake and understand fidelity and reach. In-depth interviews were conducted to understand intervention experiences. Baseline sociodemographic factors were summarized for each trial arm, and qualitative data were thematically analyzed.
Results
The intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable to young people and implementing teams. STI testing and SRH components were particularly popular. Challenges with peer support implementation were mainly due to fidelity issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlighted the importance of incorporating familial support and psychological and social support into interventions for young people’s sexual health.
Conclusion
The results demonstrated that peer-led community-based care integrating SRH services with HIV is a versatile model to decentralize health and social care. The study also emphasized the role of family in targeting restrictive gender and sexual norms among young people.
Clinical Trial Impact
Clinical trials play a crucial role in developing safe and effective treatments. The study’s findings provide practical insights for improving HIV prevention and care for young people, emphasizing the value of peer-led community-based care and the importance of familial and social support in sexual health interventions.
Practical Solutions and Value
Implementing peer-led community-based care integrating SRH services with HIV can decentralize health and social care, making it more accessible. The study highlights the importance of incorporating familial and social support into interventions for young people’s sexual health, providing valuable insights for improving HIV prevention and care.
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