ABC complementary approaches for HIV/AIDS prevention: a literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Decades of research on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention have created new challenges in behavior change that require new approaches of communication. Scholars suggest that these new approaches should go beyond the simplicity of ABC. This study aimed to review the evidence related to ABC complementary approaches for prevention of HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Material and methods: A narrative review was carried out based on Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) in order to get a comprehensive perspective on HIV/AIDS preventive approaches. Literature search was performed through English databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus as well as Persian databases, including Magiran and SID. In addition, UNAIDS, CDC, and WHO reports were examined. This search was conducted until May 11, 2021. Publication year and type of study design were not restricted. All studies, guidelines, and documents providing evidence regarding preventive approaches in HIV/AIDS were included in the review. Results: We obtained information about various approaches in five guidelines, one policy analysis, and one policy brief. Also, out of 92 articles retrieved from the databases, six articles met eligible criteria for using these approaches. Findings obtained from approaches were categorized into six approaches including ABCDE, ABCDs, two types of ABCD, SAVE, and GEM. Conclusions: GEM approach that goes beyond ABC, provides a stronger central platform for advancing national and regional efforts to reduce the risks of HIV transmission. Also, it can be considered a comprehensive approach to fighting AIDS in women, because it reflects women's challenges regarding gender and inequality in the process of prevention.