Transitioning from adolescent to adult care in HIV

Key take-home messages

• A range of social, psychological, economic, structural and cultural factors affect adolescents’ ability to transition from pediatric HIV care to adult care. Compared to HIV-negative adolescents, adolescents living with HIV face unique challenges during the transition process. For example, adolescents living with HIV:
  • may want to keep their medical histories private and may not be willing to disclose their status to new health care providers
  • may lack the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully transition to adult care
  • may not be not aware of what to expect during the transition period because care providers may not have shared this information with them
  • may encounter health care facilities that lack transition policies, making the transfer and sharing of health-related information difficult
  • experience a higher prevalence of mental health disorders than their HIV-negative peers
  • may face a more difficult transition to adult care due to their sexual orientation.
• To overcome these challenges, a number of strategies have been recommended, including: education and skills training, assessment of patient readiness, the creation of clear transition policies, and improved communication between patients and providers and between providers themselves. In addition, the provision of social services and mental and sexual health care, training sessions for care providers, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential for successful transition.

• Determinants of Health
  • Stigma/discrimination
• Population(s)
  • Children or Youth (less than 18 years old)
  • General HIV+ population
• Engagement and Care Cascade
  • Linkage/engagement in care
  • Retention in care
  • Treatment
• Substance Use
  • Nonmedicinal drugs
• Mental Health
  • Depression
  • Neurocognitive disorders
  • Psychiatric disorders