Evidence and gap map report: Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) interventions for strengthening HIV prevention and research among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs)

Abstract

Background Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), aged 15–24 years, are disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks due to varying social, cultural, and economic factors that affect their choices and shape their knowledge, understanding, and practices with regard to their health. Socio‐Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) interventions targeted at strengthening the capabilities of individuals and their networks have supported the demand and uptake of prevention services and participation in biomedical research. However, despite growing global recognition of the domain, high‐quality evidence on the effectiveness of SBCC remains scattered. This evidence and gap map (EGM) report characterizes the evidence base on SBCC interventions for strengthening HIV Prevention and Research among AGYW in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), identifying evidence gaps and outlining the scope of future research and program design. Objectives The objectives of the proposed EGM are to: (a) identify and map existing EGMs in the use of diverse SBCC strategies to strengthen the adoption of HIV prevention measures and participation in research among AGYW in LMICs and (b) identify areas where more interventions and evidence are needed to inform the design of future SBCC strategies and programs for AGYW engagement in HIV prevention and research. Methods This EGM is based on a comprehensive search of systematic reviews and impact evaluations corresponding to a range of interventions and outcomes—aimed at engaging AGYW in HIV prevention and research ‐ that were published in LMICs from January 2000 to April 2021. Based on guidance for producing a Campbell Collaboration EGM, the intervention and outcome framework was designed in consultation with a group of experts. These interventions were categorized across four broad intervention themes: mass‐media, community‐based, interpersonal, and Information Communication and Technology (ICT)/Digital Media‐based interventions. They were further sub‐categorized into 15 intervention categories. Included studies looked at 23 unique behavioral and health outcomes such as knowledge attitude and skills, relationship dynamics, household dynamics, health care services, and health outcomes and research engagement. The EGM is presented as a matrix in which the rows are intervention categories/sub‐categories, and the columns are outcome domains/subdomains. Each cell is mapped to an intervention targeted at outcomes. Additional filters like region, country, study design, age group, funding agency, influencers, population group, publication status, study confidence, setting, and year of publication have been added. Selection Criteria To be eligible, studies must have tested the effectiveness of SBCC interventions at engaging AGYW in LMICs in HIV prevention and research. The study sample must have consisted of AGYW between the ages of 15–24, as defined by UNAIDS. Both experimental (random assignment) and quasi‐experimental studies that included a compariso...

Health workers’ perspectives on school-based mass drug administration control programs for soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria

“…Molyneaux et al identified collaboration as essential for strengthening the health system [ 37 ]. The NTD agenda extends beyond parasitic diseases, with a massive annual delivery of medicines to a billion people, mainly targeting the poorest, aligning with the 2030 UN SDGs for universal health coverage; adapting to global events and policy changes is crucial for sustained progress, requiring innovative thinking within health systems, led by policymakers, managers, and frontline health workers, which necessitates effective collaboration among partners involved [ 3 , 11 , 18 , 38 ]. Such partnerships between health workers and educators showcase the potential for leveraging existing networks within communities to achieve program goals.…”

“…Health workers acknowledged effective communication with community leaders and stakeholders, facilitating program acceptance and local support for field officers, and this aligns with findings in other programs [ 36 ]. Findings from studies indicated that integrating technology and innovative communication methods can serve as valuable tools to improve the effectiveness of MDA programs for STH and SCH [ 35 , 38 ]. This enhancement encompasses various aspects, including heightened awareness, knowledge dissemination, acceptance, demand generation, behavior change communication (BCC), feedback mechanisms (such as monitoring cards), quality assurance (ensuring drug availability), accountability (through reporting), and sustainability (facilitated by stakeholder engagement) [ 38 , 42 , 43 ].…”

“…Findings from studies indicated that integrating technology and innovative communication methods can serve as valuable tools to improve the effectiveness of MDA programs for STH and SCH [ 35 , 38 ]. This enhancement encompasses various aspects, including heightened awareness, knowledge dissemination, acceptance, demand generation, behavior change communication (BCC), feedback mechanisms (such as monitoring cards), quality assurance (ensuring drug availability), accountability (through reporting), and sustainability (facilitated by stakeholder engagement) [ 38 , 42 , 43 ]. Technology and innovative communication methods play pivotal roles in augmenting the effectiveness of MDA control programs targeting STH and SCH [ 13 ].…”