HIV Self-Testing and Comic Intervention With Refugee Adolescents and Youth

HIV is the leading cause of death for adolescents and young people (AYP) in sub-SaharanAfrica (SSA). Uganda hosts 1.4 million refugees/displaced persons and the Bidi Bidi refugee camp in Northern Uganda is the second-largest refugee settlement in the world and the largest in Africa. There are reports of high sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among refugees during the journey from South Sudan to Uganda and in the refugee settlements, yet low rates of HIV testing and access to HIV prevention services, particularly tailored for gender, age, and the refugee settlement context. This study aims to develop, implement and evaluate an oral HIV-self testing (HIVST) intervention with displaced/refugee AYP aged16- 24 in Bidi Bidi. HIVST is acceptable and properly used with AYP in other SSA regions, yet there are knowledge gaps regarding the best way to link HIVST to HIV care. This study aims to explore how user-developed educational comic books can improve linkage to care with HIVST. This trial focuses on implementing a randomized trial with displaced/refugee AYP aged 16-24 living in Bidi Bidi (Arm1: HIVST; Arm 2: HIVST + comic book; Arm 3: comic book; Arm 4: standard of care). The study will assess changes in HIV testing practices, HIV status knowledge, and linkage to HIV prevention and care between the 4 arms.