Review of HIV Interventions among Young and Adolescent Key Populations in Low to Middle Income Countries

Abstract

Background: Globally, Young key populations (age 10-24) (YKPs) are more at risk to HIV infection and are disproportionately infected by HIV. There is a pressing need for evidence on how best to implement effective interventions for young key populations.Objective: The overall aim was to conduct a systematic review of interventions to summarize the data on effectiveness of interventions in low and middle income countries among young key populations. Method:We conducted a review of the evidence on interventions designed to increase adolescents and young people's access to services for reducing their HIV risk. We focused specifically on the young key populations from low to middle income countries. We searched PubMed, Medline and Cochrane databases using MesH terms to identify peer-reviewed articles. We included studies with designs such as randomized control trails (RCT), clustered randomized trails, quasi experimental, prospective observational and studies that measured outcomes pre and post an intervention. We identified a total of 10 studies that were included in the review based on certain inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results: Among the interventions designed for young people, community based interventions driven by peer led approach and mobile based interventions were effective in engaging with these hard to reach populations. Structural interventions focusing on stigma and psychosocial component can positively impact important HIV-related outcomes. HIV screening needs to be integrated in programs and policy with intimate partner violence. The evidence on PreP is mixed and needs more systematic investigation. Conclusion:Combinations of prevention packages that include behavioural, structural and biological interventions are needed for young key populations to prevent new HIV infections. These interventions with proven effectiveness should be included in all HIV prevention programming for young people.