Facilitators and barriers to providing HIV psychosocial support services for adolescents living with or affected by HIV: a qualitative study in Iran

According to the global strategy, social support and protection are crucial for adolescents living with or affected by HIV (ALWAH) and might be an important protective mechanism for their well-being. This study aimed to explore facilitators and barriers to providing HIV support services for ALWAH in Iran. This study conducted a qualitative content analysis in Iran from May to September 2022. Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews (<i>n</i> = 16), telephone interviews (<i>n</i> = 11) and four focus group discussions (<i>n</i> = 14). According to the participants, both facilitators and barriers that ALWAH and their families might face in using services were related to structural and macro level (such as conservative approaches to HIV as barriers and advocacy network and collaboration among community organizations as facilitators), facilities and organizational level (such as inadequate financial resources and budget as barriers and adolescent-friendly atmosphere as facilitators), and finally, family and individual level (such as weak family support and engagement as barriers and families with solution-oriented coping strategies as facilitators). In conclusion, adolescents have experienced significant challenges in accessing and maintaining engagement with services. Addressing these concerns and challenges is crucial to ensure they receive the necessary health services to protect and enhance their well-being.