eMASH: Exploring feasibility and acceptability of mobile health care visits for adolescents in South Africa living with HIV

HIV unequally impacts adolescents and young adults world-wide; rates of new HIV infection among youth are estimated at 45%, with over 70% of this population living in sub-Saharan Africa. Engagement in routine HIV care, especially retention in care, is low in this population due to a myriad of factors including high rates of depression/anxiety, stigma, and access to care given increasing social isolation and distancing guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective strategies to improve retention in care, such as mobile communication technology (mHealth), are needed to improve HIV outcomes for this high-priority population. mHealth use in HIV care for prevention and linkage to care in sub-Saharan Africa has grown significantly over recent years. We will determine the feasibility and acceptability of mHealth virtual care visits for adolescents living with HIV who are currently enrolled in care and receiving antiretroviral therapy. We will evaluate this intervention in both controlled and real-world settings in order to evaluate satisfaction, convenience, safety, and communication, drawing on the perspectives of youth living with HIV and providers.