Abstract: Adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa experience poorer health outcomes than adults. This study evaluates a structured support group intervention, Vhutshilo 3, to improve adherence to ART and sexual health behaviors of AYLHIV in South Africa. Self-reported pre- and post-intervention survey data was collected from a cohort of 548 participants 7.5 months apart. Results indicated short-term improvement in key outcomes including ART adherence, contraceptive use, HIV treatment knowledge, self-rated health, and school attendance. However, effects were small and many significant care and treatment gaps remained. Greater emphasis on addressing barriers to adherence and self-management of HIV may yield more clinically significant outcomes.
Citation: Thurman, T. R., Luckett, B., Zani, B., Nice, J., & Taylor, T. M. (2024). Can support groups improve treatment adherence and reduce sexual risk behavior among young people living with HIV? Results from a cohort study in South Africa. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 9(7), 162.
