Adapting community-based sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents and young people aged 15-24 years in response to COVID-19 in Lusaka, Zambia: the implications on the uptake of HIV testing services

Mwelwa Muleba Phiri, Bernadette Hensen, Ab Schaap, Lucheka Sigande, Melvin Simuyaba, Musonda Simwinga, Sian Floyd, Sarah Fidler, Richard Hayes, Helen Ayles

Research output: Contribution to journalA1: Web of Science-articlepeer-review

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Abstract

Background: Across Sub-Saharan Africa, adolescents and young people (AYP) aged 15-24 have limited access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including HIV testing services (HIS). In response, the Yathu Yathu study was implemented in two high-density communities in Lusaka, Zambia. Yathu Yathu provides comprehensive, community-based, peer-led SRH services, including differentiated HIS (finger-prick and HIV self-testing) and comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). We describe adaptations to the Yathu Yathu intervention in response to the COVID-19 epidemic, and implications on uptake of HTS among AYP.

Methods: Yathu Yathu provides SRH services through community-based peer-led spaces. AYP in study communities were offered prevention points cards (PPC), which incentivizes and tracks service use. Social media (WhatsApp(C)/Facebook(C)) is used to engage and inform AYP about SRH. Due to COVID-19, hubs closed from April-June 2020. We describe adaptations in response to COVID-19 and, using routinely collected PPC data, describe uptake of HIS before (September 2019-March 2020) and after (July-December 2020) adaptations in response to COVID-19. We describe reach of the Yathu Yathu Facebook page and use qualitative data to describe AYP experiences of SRH service access.

Results: During hub closures, CSE was delivered via video on social media, resulting in an increase in Facebook page followers from 539(April) to 891(June).WhatsApp groups evolved as a platform to deliver CSE and COVID-19 information, with higher participation among young people aged 20-24. Key service delivery adaptations included: reducing the number of participants in hubs, mandatory handwashing before entry, use of personal protective equipment by staff and provision of facemasks to AYP. HIS were provided as normal. Adaptations led to fewer AYP attending hubs. Uptake of HIS among AYP visiting hubs for the first time after COVID-19-related closures was higher (73.2%) compared to uptake before adaptations (65.9%; adjOR=1.24 95%CI 0.99, 1.56, p=0.06). Despite disappointments with some aspects of service delivery, AYP expressed happiness that hubs had reopened.

Conclusions: Social media can be a useful additional platform to reach AYP with HIV prevention information during COVID-19. With proper infection control in place, HIS can safely be provided to, accessed and accepted by AYP in community-based settings during COVID-19.

Original languageEnglish
Article number503
JournalBMC Health Services Research
Volume22
Issue number1
Number of pages9
ISSN1472-6963
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Keywords

  • Adolescents and young people
  • COVID-19
  • HIV testing
  • Sexual and reproductive health
  • Zambia
  • Community-based
  • IMPACT
  • YOUTH

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