Conversational themes and interaction patterns in peer support for adolescents and young people living with HIV: scoping review protocol

Abstract

Peer support for adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV) has demonstrated effectiveness in improving clinical and psychosocial outcomes. However, the specific conversational content and interaction patterns that underpin successful peer support remain poorly characterized, limiting the evidence base for designing digital health tools and training curricula. This scoping review aims to systematically map the breadth and nature of documented conversational themes, topics, and interaction patterns in peer support programs for AYPLHIV aged 15–24 years. The review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Databases to be searched include MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE.com, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Sources will include qualitative studies, mixed-methods studies, process evaluations, training curricula, and program guidelines that describe or document the content of peer support conversations for AYPLHIV. No restrictions will be placed on geographic location, setting, or modality. The review will include literature published from 2015 to the present. Seven independent reviewers will screen titles/abstracts and full texts using Covidence. Data will be extracted using a standardized form and synthesized through descriptive mapping, inductive thematic development, and alignment analysis comparing intentional (curricula-based) and experiential (empirically observed) content. This scoping review will produce a map of conversational themes, topics, and interaction patterns documented in peer support for AYPLHIV globally. Findings will provide an evidence-based content framework for organizations revising peer support training and for developers designing digital tools such as chatbots and online peer communities for this population. Open Science Framework–Embargoed/anonymized until December 2026. The registration DOI is https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PF2NH.