JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Youth in South Africa are poor utilizers of HIV health services. Medecins Sans Frontieres has been piloting youth-adapted services at a youth clinic in Khayelitsha, including a peer virtual mentorship program over mobile phones, piloted from March 2015 to May 2016.

Objective:

This study evaluates the effect of the peer mentorship program on youths engagement with HIV services, as well as exploring the acceptability of the program to both mentors and mentees.

Methods:

ART initiation, retention in care and viral load suppression were compared between youth engaged in the virtual mentorship program and two matched controls. In-depth interviews were also conducted for 5 mentors and 5 mentees to explore acceptability and impact of the program.

Results:

40 youth were recruited into the virtual mentorship program over the study period. Of these, data was obtained for 35, and 70 matched controls. There was no difference in baseline demographics (age, gender, CD4 count). Mentees had increased ART initiation (80% vs 42% in matched controls), and viral load completion (80% vs 36%), however no differences were found in viral load suppression or retention in care at 6 or 12 months. Mentors reported being motivated to participate in the program due to previous personal struggles with HIV and a desire to help their peers. Mentees reported fears of disclosure and lack of acceptance of their status as barrier to accessing services, but felt free to talk to their mentors, and valued the mentorship program, with a preference for phone calls.

Conclusions:

Peer mentorship in youth is acceptable to both mentors and mentees, and appears to increase linkage to care, and viral load completion rates.