Background: Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) face multifaceted challenges where HIV stigma and gender disparities intersect. In 2022, UNAIDS reported an estimated 73,000 of 250,000 people living with HIV in Vietnam (~30%) were women. WHLA’s challenges are magnified within the traditionally patriarchal and family-oriented society. Our recently completed pilot study also emphasized how family can play a dual role in negatively contributing to WLHA's stressors and in positively supporting their health management.

Objective: The present study utilizes implementation science to identify, evaluate, and adapt partner-based interventions that reduce stigma, foster active coping, and improve healthcare outcomes for WLHA.

Methods: A scoping literature review was conducted to identify existing partner-based interventions for WLHA. Selected interventions were presented to a 12-member Community Advisory Board (CAB) consisting of WLHA, their partners, and stakeholders who hold positions at clinics, community-based organizations, and governmental agencies. The Hexagon Tool was used to systematically evaluate the presented interventions’ potential to be implemented in Vietnam.

Results: Six interventions met the inclusion criteria out of 1,374 reviewed. CAB evaluation of the interventions revealed that stakeholders in Vietnam preferred either dyadic or small group gender-separated formats over large group or community-wide events, healthcare professional facilitators over community peer leaders, and content focused on medication adherence and mental health. Cultural factors played an important role in CAB assessment of the intervention’s acceptability in Vietnam. They highlighted that stigma, fear of disclosure, and discrimination could discourage WLHA and their partners from participating. Also, the availability and capacity of mental health professionals in HIV-related fields to provide technical support for these interventions is limited.

Conclusions: Considering the cultural and resource-limited factors specific to Vietnam, there remains an urgent need to identify and culturally adapt evidence-based interventions leveraging spouse/partner dynamics to decrease stigma and improve the health outcomes of WLHA in Vietnam.