Experiences of adolescents living with HIV on transitioning from pediatric to adult HIV care in low and middle-income countries: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Protocol.

In South Africa, it is estimated that approximately 320,000 adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) will transition from pediatric to adult antiretroviral treatment (ART) by 2028. However, the age period of 10-19 years is accompanied by a myriad of barriers that challenge the transition process, and continued adherence to ART. The transition process involves ALHIV taking charge of their own health and disease management which raises challenges for their retention in care. Managing transition becomes particularly challenging in low-resource contexts as their healthcare systems are not adapted to the specific needs it requires. There is a need to garner an understanding of existing transition practices which address the specific needs of adolescents and is optimized to their requirements and available resources within a low- or middle-income country context. This review will include all qualitative and mixed method studies which will facilitate a deeper understanding the experiences of ALHIV on transition experiences. The review will specifically look at studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries. The included studies must be presented in the English language and published between 2010-2023. The search strategy will be finalized with consultation with an information specialist. All three reviewers will be present throughout all stages of the review. One reviewer will work independently on the initial screening of studies and another reviewer will assist in checks. After data is extracted, the data will be thematically analyzed with the use of Atlas.Ti computer software. No ethics approval is required and the review will be published in peer reviewed journals and submitted to conferences. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023396459.