Abstract:
Mobile technologies represent potentially novel and scalable intervention delivery platforms for adolescents living with
HIV (ALWH) in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a prospective, mixed methods pilot study to evaluate the
acceptability and feasibility of the WhatsApp ® platform to deliver individual counseling services and facilitate peer support
for ALWH in western Kenya. Thirty ALWH (17 female, mean age 15.4) on ART, engaged in HIV care and aware of their
status, were enrolled. After 6 months, participants described their experiences with the intervention. Treatment adherence,
stigma, and mental and behavioral health were assessed prospectively. Participants reported overall positive experiences and
indicated that the platform encouraged peer network development. They endorsed potential benefits for treatment adherence,
stigma reduction, and mental and behavioral health. All participants supported intervention expansion. In western Kenya,
WhatsApp ® was an acceptable and feasible platform for mobile counseling and peer support for ALWH.
