Reaching youth with out-of-facility HIV and reproductive health services: a systematic review

Many young people, particularly those who are marginalized and most at risk for HIV and reproductive health-related problems, cannot or will not seek traditional facility-based health services. Policies and programs are being implemented to provide them with these health services in the community. We sought to review the effectiveness of such approaches in increasing HIV and reproductive health service use.

A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify policies promoting or programs delivering HIV or reproductive health services in the community. We reviewed studies that evaluated uptake of services or commodities. Data from studies meeting inclusion criteria were qualitatively analyzed.

Twenty studies met inclusion criteria, including 10 containing comparative data (e.g., before and after study or control study design). The studies generally demonstrated positive impact, although results varied across settings and approaches. The most successful approaches included mail-based chlamydia screening in the Netherlands, condom distribution via street outreach in Louisiana, home-based HIV counseling and testing in Malawi, and promotion of over-the-counter access to emergency contraception in various countries.

Overall, this review suggests that out-of-facility approaches can be important avenues to reach youth. Continued evaluation is necessary to better understand specific approaches that can successfully deliver health services.