CETA GIRLS (Common Elements Treatment Approach )

This qualitative formative assessment explored the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of expanding a transdiagnostic mental and behavioral health evidence-based intervention (EBI) to improve uptake and adherence to biomedical prevention and treatment of HIV (i.e., antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment (ART)) among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Uganda. Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) is a transdiagnostic mental and behavioral health EBI developed specifically for use in low and middle incomes settings. CETA, which combines treatment elements for a range of mental health problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, unhealthy alcohol use) into a single model, has been successfully implemented in Uganda. We will interview multi-level key stakeholders to assess existing barriers and facilitators of CETA implementation and explore acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of CETA for use among AGYW.

Recognizing the significant impact of mental health challenges and alcohol use on HIV prevention and treatment outcomes, the study explores how CETA can be adapted and implemented to address depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and adherence challenges among AGYW. Particular attention is given to young women with sub-optimal adherence to HIV treatment and prevention interventions.

Using qualitative methods, the study examines barriers and facilitators to successful CETA implementation from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders involved in service delivery and program implementation. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) is used to guide data collection and analysis, providing insights into factors that influence intervention uptake, implementation, and sustainability.

The study is nested within the AMBSO Population Health Surveillance (APHS) cohort and aims to generate evidence that will inform the integration of mental health interventions into HIV prevention and treatment programs for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda.