Reproductive and sexual health knowledge, experiences, and milestones in young adults with life-long HIV. Issue 3 (3rd March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aepfelbacher, Julia A.; Chaudhury, Chloe S.; Mee, Thomas; Purdy, Julia B.; Hawkins, Karyn; Curl, Kara-anne; Dee, Nicola; Hadigan, Colleen
• Is Part Of: AIDS care. Volume 32:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 354
• Page End: 361
• Publication Date: 2020-03-03
• Subjects: Perinatal HIV -- reproductive outcomes -- sexual transmission; AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Care -- Periodicals; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; 362.1969792
• DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1679711
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0121

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Reproductive and sexual health outcomes of adults with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV) have not been well-characterized. This prospective cross-sectional study of 35 adult persons living with HIV (PLWH) from early life and 20 matched HIV-negative controls assessed quality of life, depressive symptoms, HIV transmission knowledge, and sexual/reproductive behaviors through self-report questionnaires. PLWH scored significantly worse than controls on depressive symptoms ( p = 0.04) and two of six quality of life domains ( p = 0.03, p = 0.0002). In contrast, PLWH scored significantly higher on transmission knowledge in the context of family planning ( p = 0.002). PLWH were more likely to learn about sex from healthcare providers ( p = 0.002) and were more confident in their sexual/reproductive health knowledge ( p < 0.05). Both groups reported inconsistent condom use, but PLWH were more likely to have planned pregnancies ( p = 0.005) and to share pregnancy planning with their partners ( p < 0.05). Despite the challenges of living with a chronic stigmatized condition, adults with PHIV were knowledgeable about HIV transmission and family planning and demonstrated sexual practices and reproductive outcomes similar to age-matched controls. However, sub-optimal rates of viral suppression, inconsistent condom use, and the psychosocial impact of living with HIV continue to require the attention of healthcare provides for young adults with PHIV.