Overview of Components and Sessions in the Ask-Boost-Connect-Discuss Program to Support Young Mothers Living With HIV
| Program Domain | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ask | Pre-enrollment check-in | Peer supporters used mood charts or verbal prompts to check with participants before they attended group sessions |
| Session 0 | Welcome session for new participants Physical and emotional health; consent; confidentiality; expectations of participation | |
| Boost | Key components | Structured curriculum with specific content per session; goal-setting worksheets and mood charts linked to each session for participants to take home and use as works for them |
| Session 1 | Health-seeking behavior Theme: “There are some things I have control over.” | |
| Session 2 | Anxiety and uncertainty in pregnancy and motherhood Theme: “Nobody has all the answers.” | |
| Session 3 | Support networking Theme: “Support can come from different places.” | |
| Session 4 | Self-care during pregnancy and motherhood Theme: “Motherhood is a big change, but I also need to focus on my own well-being.” | |
| Session 5 | Addressing concerns around child growth and development Theme: “Each child grows differently.” | |
| Session 6 | Combating stigma and external judgment Theme: “What others think doesn't matter, if I have love for myself and my child.” | |
| Session 7 | Making time to adopt healthy practices Theme: “Focusing on healthy behaviors takes little effort and is very valuable.” | |
| Session 8 | Future orientation and goal-setting Theme: “Even though I have HIV, I can still embrace a bright future for myself, and my baby.” | |
| Connect | Referral mechanisms for at-risk participants | Set up on a case-by-case basis with clinic-based mentors |
| Additional resources for peer supporters | In-app training manual and 1–2 page tip sheets on issues including PMTCT of HIV, mental health psychoeducation, HIV testing, and communication skills | |
| Discuss | Supervision component | Routine supervision meetings by PATA technical advisors; WhatsApp groups formed to facilitate easy communication among peer supporters in each focal country |
Abbreviations: PATA, Paediatric-Adolescent Treatment Africa; PMTCT, prevention of mother-to-child transmission.