Linkage to Care for HIV-Positive Adolescents: A Multisite Study of the Adolescent Medicine Trials Units of the Adolescent Trials Network

• Published in: Journal of adolescent health Vol. 51; no. 6; pp. 551 - 556
• Main Authors: Fortenberry, J. Dennis, M.D., M.S, Martinez, Jaime, M.D, Rudy, Bret J., M.D, Monte, Dina, B.S.N., C.C.R.C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.12.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adolescent Health Services - organization & administration; Adolescent Health Services - standards; Adolescents; Attitude of Health Personnel; Biological and medical sciences; Case Management - organization & administration; Case Management - standards; Child; Clinical Trials as Topic; Confidentiality; Health Services Accessibility; HIV; HIV Seropositivity - psychology; HIV Seropositivity - therapy; HIV-related care; Human viral diseases; Humans; Immunodeficiencies; Immunodeficiencies. Immunoglobulinopathies; Immunopathology; Infectious diseases; Interviews as Topic; Linkage to care; Medical sciences; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Newly diagnosed; Pediatrics; Prevention and actions; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Puerto Rico; Qualitative Research; Referral and Consultation - organization & administration; Referral and Consultation - standards; Social Stigma; Social Support; Specific populations (family, woman, child, elderly...); Stigmatization; Substance abuse; United States; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids; Young Adult; Youth; United States; North America; America; Puerto Rico; Youth; HIV-related care; Linkage to care; Adolescents; Human; Immunopathology; Seropositivity; Accessibility; Stigma; Multicenter study; Use; Retroviridae; AIDS; Health service; Immune deficiency; Lentivirus; Infection; Virus; Viral disease; Adolescent; Qualitative analysis; Human immunodeficiency virus; Public health
• ISSN: 1054-139X; 1879-1972
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2012.03.012

Abstract Purpose To understand linkage to care practices at sites providing clinical services to newly diagnosed HIV-positive adolescents. Methods Qualitative analysis of detailed interviews conducted with 28 personnel involved in linkage to care at 15 sites providing specialty care to HIV-positive adolescents. Results We showed that multiple models exist for linkage to care, and that both formal and informal community relationships are important for successful linkage to care. Stigma was seen as a universal issue, enhancing the importance of the balance of confidentiality and social support. Barriers to care, such as mental health issues, substance use, and transportation, are common. Conclusions We conclude that the complexity of linkage to care requires thought and planning as HIV testing is expanded to lower-risk populations.