Psychosocial Profile of Hiv-infected Adolescents in a Southern Us Urban Cohort.
From: University of Tennessee Health Science Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
AIDS care
- Publish Date: Aug 2006
- ISSN: 0954-0121
- Volume: 18
- Issue: 6
- Pages: 544-9
- Medium: Print
- Language: English
- Citation (JAMA): Kadivar H, Garvie P A, Sinnock C, et al. Psychosocial Profile of Hiv-infected Adolescents in a Southern Us Urban Cohort.. Aug 2006;18:544-9
Abstract
We undertook a retrospective medical chart review of HIV-infected adolescents referred to a Southern US urban comprehensive adolescent HIV clinic between 1992 and 2003 to describe the psychosocial profile of adolescents infected with HIV via high-risk behaviours.Ninety-one adolescents (59 females, 32 males, 95% African-American, median age 17 years) were identified. Common reasons for initial HIV testing included routine prenatal screening (20%), clinical symptoms suggestive of HIV (20%), and recognized risk-related behaviours (20%). Findings included a history of unstable housing in the previous year (27%), running away (29%), knowing someone with HIV (36%), parental substance abuse (reported by youth, 46%), parental abandonment/neglect (30%), high substance use rates (marijuana 33%, tobacco 27%), current/prior STDs (60%), and involvement with the juvenile justice system or incarceration (41%). Sexual abuse/assault was reported by 41%. Previous depression was reported in 15% with approximately half reporting prior hospitalization. An additional 12% of the cohort had current clinical depressive symptoms. We conclude that infections with HIV via high-risk behaviours during adolescence occur in youth with multiple psychosocial stressors. Targeted prevention efforts to reduce these underlying stressors may decrease new adolescent infection. HIV-infected youth are best served in a comprehensive care environment with immediate access to medical care, social work, and psychology/psychiatry services.
Mesh Headings (Keywords): Adolescent, Adult, African Americans, Female, HIV Infections, Humans, Life Change Events, Male, Retrospective Studies, Risk Factors, Risk-Taking, Sexual Behavior, Substance-Related Disorders, Unsafe Sex, Urban Health
Check for Full Text / PubMed Unique Identifier (PMID): 16831780
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