Implementation and Adaptation of a Combined Economic Empowerment and Peer Support Program Among Youth Living With HIV in Rural Rwanda

Background: Youth living with HIV in rural Rwanda experience poor clinical outcomes. In 2017, we implemented Adolescent Support Groups (ASGs), which provided economic incentives and peer support to youth aged 15-25. Methods: We assessed the ASG program using programmatic and electronic medical recor...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Barnhart, D.A (Author), Goodman, A.S (Author), Mukesharurema, G. (Author), Mutunge, E. (Author), Ndahimana, J.D (Author), Nshimyumuremyi, J.N (Author), Uwamariya, J. (Author)
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publications Inc. 2022
Subjects:
HIV
Online Access:View Fulltext in Publisher
Description
Summary:Background: Youth living with HIV in rural Rwanda experience poor clinical outcomes. In 2017, we implemented Adolescent Support Groups (ASGs), which provided economic incentives and peer support to youth aged 15-25. Methods: We assessed the ASG program using programmatic and electronic medical records. We described group composition and achievement on three indicators used to determine economic incentive levels: (1) quarterly pharmacy visit attendance, (2) biannual savings target achievement, and (3) annual viral suppression. Results: In total, 324 members enrolled in 34 ASGs. Group size and member ages varied more than anticipated. Groups performed well on pharmacy visit attendance (median quarterly group attendance range 91-100%) and on achieving savings targets (median biannual achievement range 80–83%). The viral suppression indicator could not be implemented as planned. Conclusion: To reflect contextual realities, adaptations in enrollment, indicator evaluation, and awarding of incentives occurred during implementation. Future research should assess whether these adaptations affected results. © The Author(s) 2022.
ISBN:23259574 (ISSN)
DOI:10.1177/23259582211064038