Journal Article

P136Service evaluation of care needs of young people aged under 25 living with HIV: are they consistent?

Teo, Siew Yan, Evans, Amy, Murira, Jennifer, Notman, Rachel

2015

Overview

Background/introductionCHIVA standards recommend all adolescents and young people living with HIV have an individualised care plan to transition them to adult services over time, as is appropriate to their age, developmental stage and social circumstances. Within the UK, adolescents living with HIV acquire the infection either via vertical transmission or sexual acquisition. These 2 groups differ in terms of medical, social and psychological needs, with the former group historically doing less well in terms of adherence and prognosis compared to the latter group.Aim(s)/objectivesTo understand and characterise patients under the age of 25 attending for HIV care in a provincial UK adult HIV clinic, and identify care needs.MethodsCase note review of all HIV positive patients attending care under the age of 25.ResultsOf 39 patients (29 male, 10 female), mode of transmission was 27(69%) sexual, 11(28%) vertical, and 1 unknown. The vertically-acquired cohort have lower CD4 counts (64% vs 93% CD4 >350), more resistance mutations (including triple class resistance) and lower rates of viral suppression (45% vs 90%) compared to the sexually-acquired cohort. Retention in care is also lower, (72% vs 92% attending in the last year). STI rates are high overall but higher in the sexual transmission cohort, 75% vs 55%.Discussion/conclusionThe under 25 HIV clinic cohort comprises 2 distinct groups: a vertically -acquired cohort with poorer outcomes, who consistently require more support and motivation to remain engaged in care; and a sexually-acquired cohort who adhere to HAART, but have higher rates of STIs and would benefit from support involving motivational interviewing and health promotion.

• Subject: Lentivirus