Influence and involvement of support people in adolescent and young adult HIV testing

Bibliographic Data

ID19443882
AuthorsJillian Neary (0000-0003-1166-0760, University of Washington, corresponding author), Anjuli D Wagner (0000-0002-5851-1220, University of Washington), Cyrus Mugo (0000-0001-7516-2168, University of Nairobi), Peter M Mutiti (VCT and HIV Prevention Unit/Youth Centre, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya), David Bukusi (0000-0003-1910-4179, VCT and HIV Prevention Unit/Youth Centre, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya), Grace John‐Stewart (0000-0002-4301-1573, University of Washington), Grace C John-Stewart (University of Washington), Dalton Wamalwa (0000-0002-5510-462X, University of Nairobi), Dalton C Wamalwa (University of Nairobi), Pamela Kohler (0000-0001-6176-6374, University of Washington), Pamela K Kohler (University of Washington), Jennifer A Slyker (0000-0001-7095-8861, University of Washington)
Year2019
Volume31
Issue1
Pages105-112
Publication date2019-01-02
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAIDS Care (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0954-0121 • E-ISSN: 1360-0451
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09540121.2018.1524563
PMID30261747
OpenAlexW2893920615
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited16

HIV incidence and mortality are high among adolescents and young adults (AYA) in sub-Saharan Africa, but testing rates are low. Understanding how support people (SP), such as peers, partners, or parents, influence AYA may improve HIV testing uptake. AYA aged 14-24 seeking HIV testing at a referral hospital in Nairobi, Kenya completed a post-test survey assessing the role of SP. Among 1062 AYA, median age was 21. Overall, 12% reported their decision to test was influenced by a parent, 20% by a partner, and 22% by a peer. Young adults (20-24 years old) were more likely than adolescents (14-19 years old) to be influenced to test by partners (23% vs. 12%, p < .001), and less likely by parents (6.6% vs. 27%, p < .001), healthcare workers (11% vs. 16%, p < .05), or counselors (9.4% vs. 19%, p < .001). Half of AYA were accompanied for testing (9.9% with parent, 10% partner, 23% peer, 4.3% others, and 2.1% multiple types). Young adults were more likely than adolescents to present alone (58% vs. 32%, p < .001) or with a partner (12% vs. 6.7%, p < .05), and less likely with a parent (1.6% vs. 31%, p < .001). Similar proportions of adolescents and young adults came with a peer or in a group. Correlates of presenting with SP included: younger age (aRR = 1.55 [95%CI = 1.30-1.85]), female sex (aRR = 1.45 [95%CI = 1.21-1.73]), and school enrollment (aRR = 1.41 [95%CI = 1.05-1.88]). SP play an important role in AYAs' HIV testing and varies with age. Leveraging SP may promote uptake of HIV testing and subsequent linkage care for AYA

Family medicine · Referral · Young adult · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Demography · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Gerontology · Pediatrics

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