Online Peer Support for Youth at Higher Risk of or Living with HIV: A Qualitative Content Analysis

TL;DR

This study explores how youth at higher risk of or living with HIV engage in an online peer support program focused on sexual health.

Contribution

The study provides insights into youth participation in digital HIV risk reduction interventions through qualitative analysis of peer support posts.

Findings

Youth discussed topics like risk reduction, partner navigation, and consent/harassment in online conversations.

Findings highlight the potential of digital peer support to address sexual health needs among at-risk youth.

Themes such as awareness and advocacy emerged as important aspects of youth engagement.

Abstract

With the rise of technology-based interventions for HIV risk reduction among adolescents, research is needed to assess how youth participate in these strategies. We used qualitative content analysis to examine youth’s posts in an online peer support intervention through the Adolescent Trials Network (ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT03134833, registered May 1, 2017) for youth at higher risk of or living with HIV. We analyzed 308 posts across 85 conversations related to sexual health from 144 peer support participants. Conversation topics included risk reduction, partner navigation, sexual activity, awareness/advocacy, and consent/harassment. Results may inform the design, adaptation, and implementation of digital peer support interventions.

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