Facilitators and Barriers to the Use of Artificial Intelligence Strategies for HIV Prevention and Care: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

This preprint presents a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis examining facilitators and barriers to user-facing artificial intelligence (AI) strategies in HIV prevention and care. Following PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines, we searched four databases and identified 15 qualitative and mixed-methods studies across eight countries. Findings indicate that AI strategies, such as chatbots, risk prediction models, and mobile applications, can provide judgment-free spaces and support engagement, with anonymity facilitating uptake and confidentiality concerns acting as a barrier. Overall, AI is best positioned as a complementary tool to support, rather than replace, existing HIV care pathways.