Lessons Learned in Centering Youth Voices in HIV Prevention: The Adolescent Health Working Group

Abstract:Background: There remains critical need for community-based approaches to HIV prevention which center youth voices and needs.Objectives: We established an adolescent health working group (AHWG) to convene youth, parents, providers, and advocates in agenda-setting for interventions to increase pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake in Durham.Methods: Our three study phases included six AHWG meetings from 2019 to 2020, youth-only meetings guided by a participatory engagement framework (Youth Generate and Organize), and interviews (n=13) and surveys with youth in the community (N=87). We also developed materials such as an AHWG mission statement, a list of themes and informational needs, and documented strategies about pivoting the project during the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic.Lessons Learned/Conclusions: Engaging adults in youth-focused HIV prevention differs greatly to engaging youth themselves. Creating spaces to promote adolescent sexual Health requires trust building, breaking down sensitivities and stigma to, and flexibility to navigate both virtual and in-person spaces to do so.