Implementation and Adaptation of a Combined Economic Empowerment and Peer Support Program Among Youth Living With HIV in Rural Rwanda.

Background

Youth living with HIV in rural Rwanda experience poor clinical outcomes. In 2017, we implemented Adolescent Support Groups (ASGs), which provided economic incentives and peer support to youth aged 15-25.

Methods

We assessed the ASG program using programmatic and electronic medical records. We described group composition and achievement on three indicators used to determine economic incentive levels: (1) quarterly pharmacy visit attendance, (2) biannual savings target achievement, and (3) annual viral suppression.

Results

In total, 324 members enrolled in 34 ASGs. Group size and member ages varied more than anticipated. Groups performed well on pharmacy visit attendance (median quarterly group attendance range 91-100%) and on achieving savings targets (median biannual achievement range 80-83%). The viral suppression indicator could not be implemented as planned.

Conclusion

To reflect contextual realities, adaptations in enrollment, indicator evaluation, and awarding of incentives occurred during implementation. Future research should assess whether these adaptations affected results.