Gofa

Advances in HIV care have transformed HIV into a chronic condition, allowing people living with HIV, including those infected perinatally, to live longer and healthier lives with antiretroviral therapy. Despite this progress, HIV-related stigma remains a significant barrier affecting health-seeking behavior, clinical outcomes, and psychological wellbeing, especially among adolescents living with HIV ALHIV. This study evaluates whether a digital peer-support intervention can reduce internalized and anticipated HIV stigma among ALHIV in South Ethiopia, while also exploring effects on psychological wellbeing, retention in care, and viral load suppression. The study compares two groups one receiving a digital peer-support intervention and the other attending standard in-clinic peer support. The digital intervention involves adolescents and youth living with HIV participating in 12 structured educational sessions delivered over 16 weeks via the Telegram messaging app, covering life skills and social mastery topics. Smartphones and technical guidance are provided if needed to support participation. The in-clinic group meets fortnightly for peer-led lessons and social activities, with transport fees supported. Participants will be assessed using validated tools to measure HIV-related stigma, depression, anxiety, and retention in care from baseline to the end of the 16-week intervention. Researchers will monitor changes in stigma using the HIV stigma scale and evaluate psychological wellbeing with questionnaires for depression and anxiety. Retention in care is measured by attendance at scheduled visits. The study follows participants over this period to understand the impact of digital peer support on health and psychosocial outcomes.