Author: Ryan Orihood
Transitional aged youth are young adults, typically defined as age 18 to 24, who are navigating the shift from teenagerhood to young adulthood and into adult healthcare. Involving transitional aged youth in HIV treatment provides a unique opportunity to intervene early in a patient’s adult medical care. While HIV rates among young people continue to decline, communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV (CDC, 2023). Special considerations may be needed to help youth from these populations engage in treatment, adhere to their treatment, and improve health outcomes.
Prevention
While HIV diagnoses among youth have declined in recent years,rates of other sexually transmitted diseases continue to be high among youth (CDC 2024), pointing to the continued need for HIV prevention and sexual health services for this population.
Access to resources
With many young people lacking stable or full-time income, their ability to meet basic needs like food, housing, transportation, and insurance is also compromised. Research shows that meeting these basic needs is crucial before engaging in medical care (Thompson et al. 2016).
Stigma
As of a 2022 report, 90% of adults believe that stigma around HIV still exists. (GLAAD 2022). Many poz youth report being cyberbullied about their status due to HIV stigma. This can complicate treatment and increase mental health concerns (UNICEF 2024).
Scheduling
Many young people work jobs with inconsistent schedules, complicating booking doctor’s visits. Rigid appointment times may not work best for youth with constantly evolving commitments—including school, family, work, and extracurricular activities.
Communication
An overwhelming number of young people prefer to message over talking on the phone, due to convenience and to protect their privacy (Lenhart et al. 2010). Reaching young people via phone calls can be challenging.
Examples/practical applications
- Pair HIV testing with other STI testing for one-stop, full-panel testing. Youth who are sexually active should routinely test for STIs and HIV. Youth who test HIV negative should be referred to PrEP medication.
- Offer HIV and STI testing services at other places youth frequent, such as schools, after-school programs, and other community events that engage young people.
- Provide case management and resources for youth to meet their basic needs first. Include referrals for community food distribution sites, housing wait lists, transportation for non-urgent medical appointments, and legal resources.
- Host drop-in services each week on the same afternoon for youth to receive medical care.
- Encourage youth to register for and communicate through agency-approved online messaging platforms, such as My Health Online.
Important links/resources
References:
- Center for Disease Control (2023). HIV Declines Among Young People and Drives Overall Decrease in New HIV Infections. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0523-hiv-declines-among-young-people.html.
- CDC. HIV Testing and Youth. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/youth_hiv/hiv-information-and-youth.htm.
- CDC. Fast Facts: HIV in the U.S. by Age. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/data-research/facts-stats/age.html.
- Thompson, T., Kreuter, M., and Boyum, S. (2016). Promoting health by addressing basic needs: Effect of problem resolution on contacting health referrals. Health Educ Behav. 2016 Apr; 43(2): 201–207.
- GLAAD. 2022 State of HIV Stigma Report. https://glaad.org/endhivstigma/2022/
- UNICEF (2024).Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it. Accessed 20 August 2024.
- https://www.unicef.org/end-violence/how-to-stop-cyberbullying#3
- Lenhart, A., Ling, R., Campbell, S., & Purcell, K. (2010). Teens and mobile phones. Pew Internet and American Life Project. Retrieved March 1, 2017, from http://www.pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2010/PIP-Teens-and-Mobile-2010-with-topline.pdf [Ref list]
Author
Ryan Orihood is the lead social worker for the Downtown Youth Clinic (DYC) at East Bay Advanced Care (EBAC). He has worked with youth throughout the SF Bay Area for over 8 years. In addition to his direct service work, Ryan has also presented to local lawmakers and health professionals to support the health and wellbeing of young people.