The role of theory-based HIV and sexual health interventions in enhancing positive sexual behaviour outcomes and reducing risk factors among young people in Sub-Saharan Africa. A scoping review protocol.

Abstract

Abstract Background In Sub-Sahara Africa, young people aged between 15 and 24 years are disproportionately affected by the HIV pandemic and represent a growing population in need of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Several theory-based HIV prevention interventions have been developed and implemented to reduce the risk of HIV infection transmission among young people and enhance positive sexual behaviours. However, there are few evidence syntheses that highlight the role of theory-based HIV and sexual health interventions in enhancing positive sexual behaviours among young people in Sub-Saharan Africa. This review aims to map evidence on the role of theory-based HIV prevention intervention in enhancing positive sexual behaviour outcomes and reducing risk factors among young people aged 10–24 years of age in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods and Analysis This scoping review will adopt the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley. We will identify several databases which will include PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), ProQuest One Academic, Web of Science, and Google scholar. We will search for relevant studies from 2012 onwards, written in English, and conducted in the SSA region. We will adopt a two-stage process where two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts for eligibility after which they will carry out data extraction and analysis through an iterative process. This will be followed by a full-text screening of the articles from the selected titles and abstracts. Discussion Results from this scoping review can inform policy changes and guide future HIV programme developers to develop and implement effective theory-based HIV interventions among young people in SSA. It can provide insights on how theories can be combined to address complex behavioural characteristics. Importantly, the review will act as a backdrop to many theory-based HIV interventions that seek to integrate the positive youth development approach in existing HIV prevention programmes.