Peer Mentorship via Mobile Phones for Newly Diagnosed HIV-Positive Youths in Clinic Care in Khayelitsha, South Africa: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.14012
• Publication Date: 2019-05-06T14:21:14Z
• Authors: Damian Hacking; Zodwa Mgengwana-M...; Tali Cassidy; Pumeza Runeyi; Laura Trivino Duran; Ruth Henwood Mathys; Andrew Boulle
• Keywords: Mentorship; Demographics; mHealth

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Youths in South Africa are poor utilizers of HIV health services. Medecins Sans Frontieres has been piloting youth-adapted services at a youth clinic Khayelitsha, including peer virtual mentorship program over mobile phones, piloted from March 2015 to May 2016. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> The objective this study was evaluate the effect on engagement with and explore acceptability both mentors mentees. <title>METHODS</title> Antiretroviral initiation, retention care (RIC), viral load suppression were compared between youths engaged two matched controls. In-depth interviews also conducted for 5 mentees impact program. <title>RESULTS</title> A total 40 recruited into period. Of these, data obtained 35 2 controls randomly sampled each. There no difference baseline demographics (eg, age, gender, CD4 count). Mentees had increased antiretroviral initiation (28/35, 80% vs 30/70, 42% controls) completion 32/70, 45%); however, differences found or RIC 6 12 months. Mentors reported being motivated participate because previous personal struggles desire help their peers. fears disclosure lack acceptance status as barrier accessing services, but they felt free talk mentors, valued program, indicated preference phone calls. <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> Peer is acceptable appears increase linkage rates.