JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

: The global burden of Human Immune Virus (HIV) continues to challenge health systems, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), prompting the adoption of innovative service delivery strategies such as Nurse-Initiated Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (NIMART). While NIMART has expanded access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and enhanced the decentralization of HIV care, the psychobiological and social responses of the nurses implementing this strategy have been largely underexplored. NIMART-trained nurses often work in high-pressure environments, facing occupational stressors that may manifest as burnout, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and social stigma.

Objective:

This scoping review aims to systematically map the extent, nature, and characteristics of the existing literature on the psychobiological and social responses of NIMART-trained nurses providing care to people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Methods:

The review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. The Population, Concept, Context (PCC) framework will guide the development of the review question. A comprehensive search strategy will be employed to search electronic databases (PubMed, SABINET, and Google Scholar) for empirical studies published between 2010 and 2025. All three authors will participate in the review process: two authors will independently screen titles and abstracts, while the remaining author will verify eligibility decisions. Differences will be resolved through discussions and consensus among all authors. Data will be analyzed using narrative synthesis and thematic mapping to identify patterns, knowledge gaps, and implications for future research, practice, and policy.

Results:

The review is expected to identify the scope, trends, and gaps in the literature on psychobiological and social responses among NIMART-trained nurses. The estimated outcomes will include a synthesis of existing evidence, identification of key stressors and coping mechanisms, and a thematic categorization of psychobiological and social responses that influence the well-being and care delivery of NIMART-trained nurses.

Conclusions:

This scoping review will provide an evidence-based understanding of the psychobiological and social responses of NIMART-trained nurses, highlighting implications for policy, practice, workforce support, and future research. The findings will contribute to the optimization of HIV service delivery by improving the well-being and retention of NIMART-trained nurses. Clinical Trial: Open Science Framework (OSF): doi:10.17605