Pediatric-to-Adult HIV Transition Model Shows Mixed Results

TOPLINE:

The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Healthcare Transition (HCT) clinic — a pediatric-to-adult HIV care model — achieved a high 1-year retention rate but a suboptimal viral suppression rate despite high engagement in care. Ryan White funding and program adaptability emerged as key strengths, while the region’s political climate and HIV stigma remained as major barriers.

METHODOLOGY:

AYAs with HIV infection transitioning to adult care face challenges such as low retention and poor viral suppression; AYAHCT clinic was designed to address these issues and improve health outcomes in this population.

Researchers conducted a mixed-methods analysis to evaluate the design, implementation, and early clinical outcomes of the AYAHCT clinic set up within the Adolescent and Young Adult Hea