Impact of COVID-19 on the implementation of mental health interventions for adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review protocol

Introduction Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are a vulnerable population disproportionately affected by mental health disorders due to the combined burden of chronic illness, stigma and socioeconomic challenges. In response, numerous mental health interventions have been implemented to support ALHIV.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted health systems, particularly in-person services, potentially undermining the delivery and efficacy of these interventions. This protocol describes the methodology for a systematic review that will assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of mental health interventions for ALHIV in SSA and to explore the emergence or adaptation of interventions during this period.

Methods and analysis Data will be collected, analysed and reported per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We will search PubMed, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO and Scopus for literature published from 2020 to 2025.

Eligible studies will include both qualitative and quantitative designs that assess mental health interventions for ALHIV in SSA or explore pandemic-related implementation impacts. Both peer-reviewed and grey literature will be included.