Implementation of a Collaborative Care Model to Manage Depression Among Adolescents and Young Adults in HIV Services in Thailand

This study aims to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of the implementation of a collaborative care model (CCM) to screen and treat depression. This model will includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and useof a task-shifting model to address depression among adolescents and young adults (AYA) who are seeking HIV treatment and prevention services at a hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Analyses will be guided by the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR), which will include the identification of facilitators and barriers to implementation of this CCM. In the last 3 years, 10-20% of AYA patients at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH) who seek HIV treatment or prevention services suffer from mental health disorders. As a result, CCM integration for depression screening and treatment was implemented at the 'CU Buddy Clinic' KCMH with the ultimate goal of increasing access to and engagement in mental healthcare with a goal to improve the overall quality of life for Thai AYA. This project will inform a future implementation science study that will focus on how the optimization of integrated mental healthcare into routine AYA HIV treatment and prevention services can impact health outcomes for patients, including ART adherence and long-term viral suppression (AYA living with HIV) and HIV acquisition risk behaviors and PrEP adherence (AYA at risk for HIV).