Richard Hayes, Ethel Dauya, Chido Dziva Chikwari, Mandikudza Tembo, Rashida A. Ferrand, Tsitsi Bandason, Victoria Simms, Constancia Mavodza, Tsitsi Apollo, Constance RS. Mackworth-Young, Chris Grundy, Tino Mavimba, Helen Weiss, Aoife Doyle, Pitchaya Indravudh, Anna Machiha, Katharina Kranzer, Owen Mugurungi, Joanna Busza, Sarah Bernays, Fern Terris-Prestholt, Bernard Madzima, Suzanna Francis, and Ona McCarthy
Background Youth have poorer HIV-related outcomes when compared to other age-groups. We describe the protocol for a cluster randomised trial (CRT) to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based, integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for youth on HIV outcomes. Protocol The CHIEDZA trial is being conducted in three provinces in Zimbabwe, each with eight geographically demarcated areas (clusters) (total 24 clusters) randomised 1:1 to standard of care (existing health services) or to the intervention. The intervention comprises community-based delivery of HIV services including testing, antiretroviral therapy, treatment monitoring and adherence support as well as family planning, syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), menstrual health management, condoms and HIV prevention and general health counselling. Youth aged 16–24 years living within intervention clusters are eligible to access CHIEDZA services. A CRT of STI screening (chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis) is nested in two provinces (16 of 24 clusters). The intervention is delivered over a 30-month period by a multidisciplinary team trained and configured to provide high-quality, youth friendly services. Outcomes will be ascertained through a population-based survey of 18–24-year-olds. The primary outcome is HIV viral load