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Meeting complex needs: young people with HIV in London
Author(s) -
Hughes A,
Hope RL,
Nwokolo N,
Ward B,
Jones R,
Von Schweitzer M,
Boag F
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
hiv medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.53
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1468-1293
pISSN - 1464-2662
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2012.01049.x
Subject(s) - medicine , psychosocial , cohort , comorbidity , young adult , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , medical record , retrospective cohort study , transmission (telecommunications) , pediatrics , family medicine , gerontology , psychiatry , electrical engineering , engineering
Objectives The aim of the study was to examine the service use and characteristics of young people diagnosed with HIV infection aged under 25 years in order to design appropriate services. Methods A retrospective review of medical records of all individuals diagnosed as HIV positive aged under 25 years at C helsea and W estminster H ospital, L ondon, UK was carried out. The H ealth P rotection A gency traced all individuals who had been lost to follow‐up. We collected demographic, clinical, social and behavioural data. Results Of the 100 individuals diagnosed as HIV positive aged <25 years, 91% acquired HIV sexually; the median age at diagnosis was 21 years. Fifty‐nine per cent were born outside the UK . Of 91 individuals diagnosed in the UK , 20% were diagnosed outside genitourinary medicine. Almost half had tested HIV negative a median of 13 months previously. At HIV diagnosis, 26% had a concurrent sexually transmitted infection; thereafter 34% had a documented risk of HIV transmission. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity was high (23%). Cervical screening rates were low; of nine women screened, five required treatment for cervical or vulval neoplasia. One fifth of the cohort were lost to follow‐up a median 6 months from diagnosis. Conclusions Young people with sexually acquired HIV infection have complex medical and psychosocial needs and many disengage from health services. Current services are not meeting the needs of these young people. Specialist young people's clinics may improve standards of care for this vulnerable group.