Transition from paediatric to adult care of adolescents living with HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa: challenges, youth‐friendly models, and outcomes

• DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.4.21528
• Publication Date: 2017-05-17T10:58:47Z
• Authors: Désiré Lucien Dah...; Chloé Gautier‐Lafaye; Chloe A. Teasdale; Lorna Renner; Marcel Yotebieng; Sophie Desmonde; Samuel Ayaya; Mary‐Ann Davies; Valériane Leroy
• Keywords: Grey Literature; Stigma; Adult care; Social stigma

Abstract Introduction: The number of adolescents with perinatally or behaviourally acquired HIV is increasing in low‐income countries, and especially sub‐Saharan Africa where prevalence incidence are the highest. As they survive into adulthood era antiretroviral therapy, there a pressing need to transfer them from paediatric adult care, known as transition care. We conducted narrative review recent evidence on their outcomes Africa, highlighting specific needs challenges these populations settings, different models care for transition. Areas covered: searched PubMed bibliographic database, conference content, grey literature January 2000 August 2016 following keywords: infections AND (adolescents youth) Africa. All qualitative quantitative, experimental observational studies including HIV‐infected patients aged 10–24 years information were eligible. Results: Few data available settings. Studies mainly Southern East reported barriers successful transition, several gaps. These included lack adequate infrastructure, staff training communication between clinicians well fear stigma youth living HIV. Most countries have no national guidelines when disclose status how Several adapted adolescent question been implemented include teen clinics, peer educators use social media. However, regardless model, services increasingly overburdened insufficient human resources. Furthermore, very high attrition has observed among compared younger children older adults. There identify sub‐groups at higher risk loss follow‐up targeted support. Expert commentary: Although HIV‐related limited, increased vulnerability during this period. Standardized gathering, analysis, reporting systems essential improve understanding