Effect of Peer Support Groups on ART Adherence Among Young Adults With HIV: A Narrative Review 

Kibibi Muthoni L.

Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Young adults living with HIV (YALHIV) face multifaceted challenges that significantly impede adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), including stigma, mental health issues, developmental transitions, and insufficient youth-centered support systems. As a response to these barriers, peer support groups have emerged as a promising, community-driven intervention strategy. These groups, often facilitated by trained peers with lived HIV experience, offer emotional, informational, and practical support tailored to the unique psychosocial needs of this age group. The effectiveness of peer support is grounded in social learning theory, emphasizing observational learning, self-efficacy, and the power of relatable role models in promoting sustained health behavior. Various peer support models ranging from in-person group sessions to digital platforms have demonstrated improvements in ART adherence, clinic retention, and psychological well-being. Despite documented success, challenges such as program attrition, variability in implementation quality, and integration into formal healthcare systems persist. This narrative review, developed through thematic synthesis of published evidence, critically evaluated the role of peer support groups in enhancing ART adherence among YALHIV. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of action, diversity of peer-led approaches, and strategies for sustainable integration into routine HIV care. Strengthening and scaling peer support interventions may hold transformative potential for youth-centered HIV care globally.

KEYWORDS: Peer Support Groups, ART Adherence, Young Adults with HIV, HIV Care, Social Learning Theory.

CITE AS: Kibibi Muthoni L. (2025). Effect of Peer Support Groups on ART Adherence Among Young Adults With HIV: A Narrative Review. Research Output Journal of Public Health and Medicine 5(3):50-53. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJPHM/2025/535053