Kako

Advances in HIV treatment have transformed HIV from a deadly disease into a manageable chronic condition, allowing children infected at birth to live longer and healthier lives with effective antiretroviral therapy. However, HIV-related stigma continues to pose challenges for people living with HIV, particularly adolescents, by affecting their health-seeking behavior, clinical outcomes, psychological wellbeing, and timely diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate whether a digital peer-support intervention can reduce internalized and anticipated HIV stigma among adolescents living with HIV in South Ethiopia, while also exploring effects on psychological wellbeing, retention in care, and viral load suppression. The study compares two approaches: a digital peer-support anti-HIV stigma intervention and the standard in-clinic in-person psychosocial peer support. Participants in the digital intervention remotely attend educational sessions facilitated by trained peer leaders via the Telegram messaging platform, receiving audiovisual content across 12 sessions organized into two modules over 16 weeks. Smartphones and internet data are provided to support participation. The control group receives routine monthly in-person peer support sessions at their care hospitals, involving discussions, playtime, and shared meals with healthcare provider supervision. Participants will be assessed from enrollment through the 16-week intervention period. Researchers will measure HIV-related stigma using a validated 12-item scale, along with psychological wellbeing via depression and anxiety questionnaires. Retention in care will be tracked by visit attendance over the preceding 12 months. These evaluations aim to determine the intervention's effect on stigma reduction and related health outcomes in adolescents living with HIV.