Perinatally acquired HIV patients require more health information, services

Sexual and reproductive information and services provided by HIV health care providers for adolescents and young adults with perinatally acquired HIV must be expanded to meet the needs of the growing population, new research suggests.

The study surveyed 35 adolescents and young adults with perinatally acquired HIV (mean age, 20.7 years; female, 69.7%). The majority of participants were black (87.8%) and received care from pediatric clinics (85.7%). Participants were asked about sexual activity, fertility desires/intentions and the content of sexual and reproduction information and services provided by their HIV health care providers.

Researchers found that most participants were sexually active (71.4%), used contraceptives (64%) and wanted children in the future (88.6%).

Sexual and reproductive information and services topics discussed included: STI prevention (75.8%), condom use (72.7%) information about STIs (72.7%), including a romantic/sexual partner in appointment (33.3%), sexual violence (35.3%) and romantic relationships (45.2%).

Researchers found that only 36.4% of participants had been given a demonstration on proper use of a condom, although 56.2% had received condoms from an HIV health care provider; 36% of sexually active participants said they consistently use condoms. Researchers also said participants regularly using contraceptives were more open to discussing sexual and reproductive information and services topics with HIV health care providers than those who were not (P=.02).

“Salient social aspects of [sexual and reproductive information and services] promotion for adolescent and young adults with perinatally acquired HIV (eg, managing disclosure and romantic relationships) were less commonly discussed,” researchers wrote. “The inclusion of such aspects of [sexual and reproductive health and information services] in provider-patient communications may service to reduce secondary transmission and enhance the overall well-being of adolescents and young adults with perinatally acquired HIV.”

For more information:

Fair CD. Abstract #70. Presented at: Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine 2013; March 13-16, 2013; Atlanta.

Disclosure: The study was supported by Elon University’s Faculty Research and Development Committee, Lumen Prize and Elon College Fellows.