There are large numbers of young people with HIV globally, many with HIV acquired around the time of birth or through breastfeeding (perinatally acquired HIV [PAH]). Young people with PAH face challenges in adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART), managing onward HIV transmission risk, and maintaining wellbeing. Onward HIV disclosure (sharing one’s HIV status with others) may facilitate positive outcomes in the above areas. Sharing of one’s HIV status with sexual partners may decrease HIV transmission risk through more consistent condom use, or the use of pre and post-exposure prophylaxis (preventative treatment), if virally non-suppressed. Onward disclosure may also facilitate ART adherence and improve wellbeing. Despite the public health and individual benefits of onward disclosure, there are low rates of onward disclosure in young people with PAH. No interventions have been developed to support this population to make decisions about sharing their status, and there is a lack of onward disclosure guidance for this population or for professionals working with them. This study aims to develop and test the feasibility of a behavioural intervention to increase onward disclosure levels and support onward disclosure decision-making in perinatally infected 18-29 year olds in the UK and 18-25 year olds in Uganda.
