HIV prevention interventions for adolescent males in Sub-Saharan Africa (2000–2025): A systematic scoping review protocol for intervention design

Background HIV prevention efforts in sub-Saharan Africa have expanded over the past two decades; however, interventions specifically targeting adolescent males remain limited. Adolescent males face distinct challenges, including stigma, gender norms, peer pressure, and restricted access to health services, which may reduce engagement with existing HIV prevention strategies. A clearer understanding of the types and effectiveness of interventions targeting this population is needed to inform future program design. Methods This protocol outlines a scoping review that will map the extent, nature, and characteristics of HIV prevention interventions targeting adolescent males aged 11–17 years in sub-Saharan Africa. The review will include studies published between 2000 and 2025. Searches will be conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and Africa-wide Information, alongside clinical trial registries. Eligible studies will include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research evaluating structural, behavioral, educational, biomedical, and technology-based interventions. Study selection and data extraction will be conducted by multiple independent reviewers. Data will be synthesized narratively using thematic analysis. Expected Results The review will identify and categorize HIV prevention interventions targeting adolescent males, summarize theoretical frameworks and implementation approaches, and describe reported outcomes related to HIV risk behaviors, prevention knowledge, and behavioral intentions. Barriers, facilitators, and gaps in the existing evidence will also be documented. Conclusions This scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of HIV prevention interventions for adolescent males in sub-Saharan Africa and highlight evidence gaps to inform the development of future, contextually appropriate prevention strategies.