HIV-related stigma and family functioning: A scoping review protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Yassin Zeenat , Erasmus Charlene Jennifer 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Background
HIV-related stigma negatively impacts people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Moreover, it disrupts the functioning of families, which is crucial for the well-being of all family members. Therefore, addressing HIV-related stigma is imperative. However, there is a scarcity of evidence focusing on the influence of HIV-related stigma on the functioning of families affected by HIV/AIDS, hindering the development and implementation of suitable programmes and interventions.
 
Methods and analysis
This study will employ a scoping review methodology following the PRISMA levels of review. The databases that will be searched for relevant studies include Academic Search Complete, PsycArticles, PubMed, BioMed Central, and SA-ePublications. Two researchers will conduct the review along four levels: (1) identification; (2) screening; (3) eligibility; (4) and inclusion. Extracted data will be analysed using a narrative synthesis and presented in tabular format.

Ethics and dissemination
This scoping review, which has received ethical approval (HS22/9/2), will contribute to a better understanding of the influence of HIV-related stigma on the functioning of families affected by HV/AIDS.

OBJECTIVE

The proposed scoping and synthesis of existing evidence seeks to expand the current knowledge base on HIV-related stigma research, generating new understandings and knowledge of HIV-related stigma in relation to family functioning and well-being.

METHODS

The scoping review will follow the proposed steps suggested by Arskey and O’Malley [21], namely: (i) problem identification; (ii) the identification of relevant evidence; (iii) study selection; (iv) data charting; (v) and the collation, summary, and reporting of findings.

- Problem Identification - guided by the review qestion following the Population, Concept and Content (PCC) method by the Joanna Briggs Institte for Scoping Reviews
- Identification of relevant evidence: The search strategy is guided by the Preferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-SCR).
- Data Charting - For studies deemed eligible for inclusion, two independent reviewers (ZY; CE) will systematically extract data using a tool developed according to the guidelines provided by Arskey and O’Malley [21] and the methodology recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The data extraction will consistently and systematically capture details related to the population, concept, context, and key findings relevant to the research question. Specific data points that will be extracted include: (i) author(s) details; (ii) study design; (iii) context; (iv) population; (v) concept/focus of study; (vi) and key findings (Appendix D).
- Analysis and Reporting of findings - A narrative synthesis will be conducted

RESULTS

Protocal article: No results are included

CONCLUSIONS

The proptocal represents a methodological stratgy to explore and synthesize knowledge to understand the impact of HIV-related stigma on family fnctioning.

CLINICALTRIAL

N/A