Support Groups for Caregivers of Adolescents With HIV - A Qualitative Analysis of Caregivers’ Experiences in Mozambique

Background: Families are the primary source of care during adolescence, when HIV management is shared between adolescents with HIV (AHIV) and caregivers. Peer support interventions that improve caregiver well-being may strengthen AHIV self-management. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with caregivers of AHIV to explore how peer group participation influenced support for AHIV self-management. This was a substudy from the CombinADO trial, which, from 2018 to 2023, evaluated an intervention to improve viral suppression among adolescents and young adults with HIV in Mozambique. Results: 53 caregivers were interviewed (median age 37; 74% female). Caregivers reported enhanced knowledge of disease and treatment clarified HIV negative beliefs augmented AHIV treatment adherence monitoring psychosocial changes, and improved caregiver-adolescent relationship quality. Conclusions: Support groups for caregivers could strengthen caregivers’ role in supporting AHIV self-management. Expanding caregiver support groups may improve HIV care for AHIV in Mozambique and similar settings.