{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,28]],"date-time":"2026-09-28T13:01:02Z","timestamp":1790600462990,"version":"4.1.0"},"reference-count":40,"publisher":"AOSIS","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,29]],"date-time":"2026-09-29T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1790640000000},"content-version":"unspecified","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":[],"abstract":"<jats:p>Background: Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa experience poorer outcomes across the HIV care cascade than other age groups because of intersecting developmental, psychosocial and structural barriers. Peer navigation has emerged as a promising strategy to support engagement in care, yet evidence on its effectiveness and implementation for ALHIV remains fragmented.\nAim: To synthesise evidence on peer navigation and peer-led psychosocial support interventions for adolescents living with HIV.\nMethod: A rapid review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 principles. PubMed and EBSCOhost databases were searched for qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies published between 2013 and 2025.\nResults: Fourteen studies conducted across eight countries were included. Peer navigation interventions were typically delivered by young adults living with HIV who were stable on treatment and trained to provide psychosocial, adherence and health system navigation support. Most studies reported improvements in antiretroviral therapy adherence, retention in care and viral suppression, although effects varied by context and were not always sustained. Psychosocial benefits included reduced stigma, strengthened trust and improved self-efficacy. Implementation findings indicated high acceptability and feasibility, supported by structured training and supervision, alongside challenges related to sustainability and structural barriers such as transportation costs.\nConclusion: Peer navigation is a valuable component of adolescent-friendly HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly when integrated within responsive clinical systems and complemented by strategies addressing structural vulnerability.\nContribution: This review consolidates regional evidence on peer navigation for ALHIV and provides implementation-relevant insights to inform the integration and scale-up of peer-led models within public sector HIV services.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.4102\/hsag.v31i0.3464","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,28]],"date-time":"2026-09-28T12:39:34Z","timestamp":1790599174000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/crossmark-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Peer navigation to support psychosocial well-being and HIV treatment among adolescents: A rapid review"],"prefix":"10.4102","volume":"31","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-3766-3890","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Charn\u00e9","family":"Petinger","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/00h2vm590","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}],"name":"University of the Western Cape"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-7809-093X","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Bernard N.","family":"Mabuza","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/00h2vm590","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}],"name":"University of the Western Cape"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-1032-1847","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Brian","family":"van Wyk","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/00h2vm590","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}],"name":"University of the Western Cape"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"2580","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,29]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref0","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Adhiambo, H.F., Mwamba, C., Lewis-Kulzer, J., Iguna, S., Ontuga, G.M., Mangale, D.I. et al., 2025, \u2018Enhancing engagement in HIV care among adolescents and young adults: A focus on phone-based navigation and relationship building to address barriers in HIV care\u2019, PLOS Global Public Health 5(1), e0002830. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pgph.0002830","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pgph.0002830"},{"key":"ref1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Adjorlolo, S., Boakye, D.S., Xatse, E., Akorli, V.V., Adjorlolo, P.K., Battanis, Y.Y. et al., 2025, \u2018Mental health interventions for young people living with HIV\/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review\u2019, AIDS Research and Treatment 2025(1), 5323539. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1155\/arat\/5323539","DOI":"10.1155\/arat\/5323539"},{"key":"ref2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Ahmed, C.V., Weissinger, G., Teitelman, A., Sabelo Dlamini, N., Patience Dlamini, N., Cebsile Dlamini, T. et al., 2022, \u2018Expert client service delivery practices among adolescents living with HIV in Eswatini: A thematic analysis\u2019, Children and Youth Services Review 132, 106309. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.childyouth.2021.106309","DOI":"10.1016\/j.childyouth.2021.106309"},{"key":"ref3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Ahonkhai, A.A., Kuti, K.M., Hirschhorn, L.R., Kuhns, L.M., Garofalo, R., Johnson, A.K. et al., 2023, \u2018Successful implementation strategies in iCARE Nigeria \u2013 A pilot intervention with text message reminders and peer navigation for youth living with HIV\u2019, Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 8(11), 498. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/tropicalmed8110498","DOI":"10.3390\/tropicalmed8110498"},{"key":"ref4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Atujuna, M., Simpson, N., Ngobeni, M., Monese, T., Giovenco, D., Pike, C. et al., 2021, \u2018Khuluma: Using participatory, peer-led and digital methods to deliver psychosocial support to young people living with HIV in South Africa\u2019, Frontiers in Reproductive Health 3, 687677. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/frph.2021.687677","DOI":"10.3389\/frph.2021.687677"},{"key":"ref5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Bakari, S., Whitney, B., Dennis, M., Hassan, S., Bernard, C., Kaguiri, E. et al., 2025, \u2018Stakeholder perspectives on the role of peer mentors in the implementation of long-acting antiretroviral therapy for use by adolescents and young people in western Kenya: Findings from a formative study, KuwaFree! LiveFree!\u2019, Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC) 24, 23259582241303579. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/23259582241303579","DOI":"10.1177\/23259582241303579"},{"key":"ref6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Balogun, M., Kuhns, L.M., Akanmu, A.S., Garofalo, R., Badru, T., Adekanmbi, A.F. et al., 2025, \u2018Risk factors for viral non-suppression among youth living with HIV in Nigeria: Findings from the iCARE Nigeria study\u2019, AIDS and Behavior 29(3), 848\u2013857. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10461-024-04565-y","DOI":"10.1007\/s10461-024-04565-y"},{"key":"ref7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Bernays, S., Tshuma, M., Willis, N., Mvududu, K., Chikeya, A., Mufuka, J. et al., 2020, \u2018Scaling up peer-led community-based differentiated support for adolescents living with HIV: Keeping the needs of youth peer supporters in mind to sustain success\u2019, Journal of the International AIDS Society 23(S5), e25570. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/jia2.25570","DOI":"10.1002\/jia2.25570"},{"key":"ref8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Burke, V.M., Frimpong, C., Miti, S., Mwansa, J.K., Abrams, E.A., Merrill, K.G. et al., 2022, \u2018\u201cIt must start with me, so it started with me\u201d: A qualitative study of project YES! Youth peer mentor implementing experiences supporting adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Ndola, Zambia\u2019, PLoS One 17(2), e0261948. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pone.0261948","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0261948"},{"key":"ref9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Chew, H., Ahonkhai, A., Ivey, C., Desai, N. & Zanoni, B., 2025, \u2018Transition from adolescent to adult care for young people living with HIV: A systematic review of needs, barriers, and interventions\u2019, Journal of Adolescent Health 77(3), 346\u2013387. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jadohealth.2025.05.011","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jadohealth.2025.05.011"},{"key":"ref10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Garofalo, R., Adetunji, A., Kuhns, L.M., Omigbodun, O., Johnson, A.K., Kuti, K. et al., 2022, \u2018Evaluation of the iCARE Nigeria pilot intervention using social media and peer navigation to promote HIV testing and linkage to care among high-risk young men: A nonrandomized controlled trial\u2019, JAMA Network Open 5(2), e220148. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamanetworkopen.2022.0148","DOI":"10.1001\/jamanetworkopen.2022.0148"},{"key":"ref11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Haby, M.M., Chapman, E., Clark, R., Barreto, J., Reveiz, L. & Lavis, J.N., 2016, \u2018What are the best methodologies for rapid reviews of the research evidence for evidence-informed decision making in health policy and practice: A rapid review\u2019, Health Research Policy and Systems 14(1), 83. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12961-016-0155-7","DOI":"10.1186\/s12961-016-0155-7"},{"key":"ref12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Haghighat, R., Toska, E., Bungane, N. & Cluver, L., 2021, \u2018The HIV care cascade for adolescents initiated on antiretroviral therapy in a health district of South Africa: A retrospective cohort study\u2019, BMC Infectious Diseases 21(1), 60. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12879-020-05742-9","DOI":"10.1186\/s12879-020-05742-9"},{"key":"ref13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Hosaka, K.R.J., Mmbaga, B.T., Gallis, J.A. & Dow, D.E., 2021, \u2018Feasibility and acceptability of a peer youth led curriculum to improve HIV knowledge in Northern Tanzania: Resilience and intervention experience from the perspective of peer leaders\u2019, BMC Public Health 21(1), 1925. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12889-021-11876-5","DOI":"10.1186\/s12889-021-11876-5"},{"key":"ref14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Hung, P.-P. & Wei, H.-H., 2025, \u2018From pediatric to adult HIV care: What works to keep adolescents engaged \u2013 A systematic review of transition strategies\u2019, Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 10(10), 295. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/tropicalmed10100295","DOI":"10.3390\/tropicalmed10100295"},{"key":"ref15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Kiirya, Y., Kitaka, S., Kalyango, J., Rujumba, J., Obeng-Amoako, G.A.O., Amollo, M. et al., 2025, \u2018Acceptability of an online peer support group as a strategy to improve antiretroviral therapy adherence among young people in Kampala district, Uganda: Qualitative findings\u2019, BMC Infectious Diseases 25(1), 461. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12879-025-10831-8","DOI":"10.1186\/s12879-025-10831-8"},{"key":"ref16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Kopo, M., Lejone, T.I., Tschumi, N., Glass, T.R., Kao, M., Brown, J.A. et al., 2023, \u2018Effectiveness of a peer educator-coordinated preference-based differentiated service delivery model on viral suppression among young people living with HIV in Lesotho: The PEBRA cluster-randomized trial\u2019, PLoS Medicine 20(1), e1004150. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pmed.1004150","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pmed.1004150"},{"key":"ref17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Kwena, Z.A., Oketch, B.A., Beres, L.K., Lewis-Kulzer, J., Akama, E.O., Sang, N.M. et al., 2024, \u2018User-informed tailoring of electronic and in-person peer navigation strategies to improve retention in HIV care for adolescents and young adults: A qualitative inquiry\u2019, AIDS Care \u2013 Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS\/HIV 36(7), 993\u20131001. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09540121.2024.2361821","DOI":"10.1080\/09540121.2024.2361821"},{"key":"ref18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Mark, D., Hrapcak, S., Ameyan, W., Lovich, R., Ronan, A., Schmitz, K. et al., 2019, \u2018Peer support for adolescents and young people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: Emerging insights and a methodological agenda\u2019, Curr HIV\/AIDS Rep 16, 467\u2013474 (2019). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11904-019-00470-5","DOI":"10.1007\/s11904-019-00470-5"},{"key":"ref19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Mayman, Y.R. & Van Wyk, B., 2025, \u2018The use of photovoice in research with adolescents living with HIV in Africa: A scoping review\u2019, Journal of Public Health in Africa 16(1), a625. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/jphia.v16i1.625","DOI":"10.4102\/jphia.v16i1.625"},{"key":"ref20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Msosa, T.C., Kabaghe, A., Twabi, H.H., Mpinganjira, S., Mzumara, W., Sumari-De Boer, M. et al., 2025, \u2018Prevalence and determinants of viral suppression in young people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Southern Africa: A cross-sectional analysis of HIV survey data of 2020 and 2021\u2019, AIDS and Behavior 29(6), 1962\u20131972. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10461-025-04662-6","DOI":"10.1007\/s10461-025-04662-6"},{"key":"ref21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Munyayi, F.K. & Van Wyk, B., 2024, \u2018Health system responses to address treatment gaps of unsuppressed adolescents on HIV treatment in public primary health care facilities in Windhoek, Namibia\u2019, HIV\/AIDS \u2013 Research and Palliative Care 16, 259\u2013273. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2147\/HIV.S459124","DOI":"10.2147\/HIV.S459124"},{"key":"ref22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Mwangwa, F., Johnson-Peretz, J., Peng, J., Balzer, L.B., Litunya, J., Nakigudde, J. et al., 2025, \u2018The effect of a life-stage based intervention on depression in youth living with HIV in Kenya and Uganda: Results from the SEARCH-youth trial\u2019, Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 10(2), 55. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/tropicalmed10020055","DOI":"10.3390\/tropicalmed10020055"},{"key":"ref23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Ndhlovu, C.E., Kouamou, V., Nyamayaro, P., Dougherty, L., Willis, N., Ojikutu, B.O. et al., 2021, \u2018The transient effect of a peer support intervention to improve adherence among adolescents and young adults failing antiretroviral therapy in Harare, Zimbabwe: A randomized control trial\u2019, AIDS Research and Therapy 18(1), 32. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12981-021-00356-w","DOI":"10.1186\/s12981-021-00356-w"},{"key":"ref24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Page, M.J., McKenzie, J.E., Bossuyt, P.M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T.C., Mulrow, C.D. et al., 2021, \u2018The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews\u2019, BMJ 372, n71. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1136\/bmj.n71","DOI":"10.1136\/bmj.n71"},{"key":"ref25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Sannigrahi, S., Raj, M.B., Seenappa, B., Sharma, A.A., Reddy, S., Nobbay, E. et al., 2025, \u2018\u201cI can be a source of motivation\u201d: Perspectives from stakeholders of the I\u2019mPossible fellowship, a peer-led differentiated service delivery model for adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV in India\u2019, medRxiv 5(9), e0004453. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1101\/2025.03.11.25323808","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pgph.0004453"},{"key":"ref26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Seunanden, T.C., Ngwenya, N. & Seeley, J., 2025, \u2018Experiences and perceptions on antiretroviral therapy adherence and non-adherence: A scoping review of young people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa\u2019, BMC Public Health 25(1), 1450. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12889-025-22579-6","DOI":"10.1186\/s12889-025-22579-6"},{"key":"ref27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Shah, P., Kibel, M., Ayuku, D., Lobun, R., Ayieko, J., Keter, A. et al., 2019, \u2018A pilot study of \u201cpeer navigators\u201d to promote uptake of HIV testing, care and treatment among street-connected children and youth in Eldoret, Kenya\u2019, AIDS and Behavior 23(4), 908\u2013919. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10461-018-2276-1","DOI":"10.1007\/s10461-018-2276-1"},{"key":"ref28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Sherr, L., Cluver, L.D., Toska, E. & He, E., 2018, \u2018Differing psychological vulnerabilities among behaviourally and perinatally HIV infected adolescents in South Africa \u2013 Implications for targeted health service provision\u2019, AIDS Care 30(suppl 2), 92\u2013101. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09540121.2018.1476664","DOI":"10.1080\/09540121.2018.1476664"},{"key":"ref29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Simms, V., Weiss, H.A., Chinoda, S., Mutsinze, A., Bernays, S., Verhey, R. et al., 2022, \u2018Peer-led counselling with problem discussion therapy for adolescents living with HIV in Zimbabwe: A cluster-randomised trial\u2019, PLoS Medicine 19(1), e1003887. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pmed.1003887","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pmed.1003887"},{"key":"ref30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Slogrove, A.L. & Sohn, A.H., 2018, \u2018The global epidemiology of adolescents living with HIV: Time for more granular data to improve adolescent health outcomes\u2019, Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS 13(3), 170\u2013178. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/COH.0000000000000449","DOI":"10.1097\/COH.0000000000000449"},{"key":"ref31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Smela, B., Toumi, M., \u015awierk, K., Francois, C., Biernikiewicz, M., Clay, E. et al., 2023, \u2018Rapid literature review: Definition and methodology\u2019, Journal of Market Access and Health Policy 11(1), 2241234. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/20016689.2023.2241234","DOI":"10.1080\/20016689.2023.2241234"},{"key":"ref32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Toth, G., Mburu, G., Tuot, S., Khol, V., Ngin, C., Chhoun, P. et al., 2018, \u2018Social-support needs among adolescents living with HIV in transition from pediatric to adult care in Cambodia: Findings from a cross-sectional study\u2019, AIDS Research and Therapy 15(1), 8. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12981-018-0195-x","DOI":"10.1186\/s12981-018-0195-x"},{"key":"ref33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Tricco, A.C., Antony, J., Zarin, W., Strifler, L., Ghassemi, M., Ivory, J. et al., 2015, \u2018A scoping review of rapid review methods\u2019, BMC Medicine 13(1), 224. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12916-015-0465-6","DOI":"10.1186\/s12916-015-0465-6"},{"key":"ref34","unstructured":"UNAIDS, 2024, Fact sheet 2024: Latest global and regional HIV statistics on the status of the AIDS epidemic, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV\/AIDS, Geneva."},{"key":"ref35","unstructured":"United Nations Children\u2019s Fund (UNICEF), 2023, 2023 global snapshot on HIV and AIDS: Progress and priorities for children, adolescents and pregnant women, UNICEF, New York, NY."},{"key":"ref36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Wambua, G.N., Musindo, O., Machuka, J. & Kumar, M., 2019, \u2018Engagement and partnership with peer mentors in the development of the \u201cpositive and healthy living program\u201d: A process paper\u2019, AIDS Care 31(9), 1145\u20131151. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09540121.2019.1574333","DOI":"10.1080\/09540121.2019.1574333"},{"key":"ref37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Weyers, L., Crowley, T. & Tokwe, L., 2025, \u2018Preferences of South African adolescents living with HIV in the western cape province regarding the use of digital technology for self-management\u2019, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 22(7), 972. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ijerph22070972","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph22070972"},{"key":"ref38","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zamudio-Haas, S., Mahaka, I., Chapwanya, G., Dunbar, M.S. & Lightfoot, M., 2024, \u2018\u201cI am still human and worth a life:\u201d A qualitative study of the impacts of a community based, peer-led, treatment support model for young adults living with HIV in Zimbabwe\u2019, Frontiers in Public Health 12, 1367584. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fpubh.2024.1367584","DOI":"10.3389\/fpubh.2024.1367584"},{"key":"ref39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zanoni, B.C., Sibaya, T., Cairns, C. & Haberer, J.E., 2019, \u2018Barriers to retention in care are overcome by adolescent-friendly services for adolescents living with HIV in South Africa: A qualitative analysis\u2019, AIDS and Behavior 23(4), 957\u2013965. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10461-018-2352-6","DOI":"10.1007\/s10461-018-2352-6"}],"container-title":["Health SA Gesondheid"],"original-title":[],"link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/hsag.co.za\/index.php\/hsag\/article\/view\/3464\/7356","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,28]],"date-time":"2026-09-28T12:39:54Z","timestamp":1790599194000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/hsag.co.za\/index.php\/hsag\/article\/view\/3464"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,29]]},"references-count":40,"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/hsag.v31i0.3464","relation":{},"ISSN":["1025-9848","2071-9736"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1025-9848","type":"print"},{"value":"2071-9736","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,29]]},"article-number":"a3464"}}