Transition to adult services among behaviorally infected adolescents with HIV--a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to describe the experiences of youth with behaviorally acquired HIV who transitioned to adult care, to identify difficulties encountered, and to explore areas for improvement.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 young adults ranging from 24 to 29 years old. Themes were derived from coding participant interviews.


RESULTS
Participants experienced adolescent care providers as an important source of support, felt anxiety about transition, provided recommendations for improving the process, and described significant changes associated with adult HIV care.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings support the development of a clear and structured transition process to address patients' fears and worries through early communication, planning, and coordination for adult healthcare, highlighting the need for future research in this area.
Valenzuela
Jessica M
JM
Division of Behavioral Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, MLC 3015, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA. jessica.valenzuela@cchmc.org
Buchanan
Cindy L
CL
Radcliffe
Jerilynn
J
Ambrose
Christine
C
Hawkins
Linda A
LA
Tanney
Mary
M
Rudy
Bret J
BJ
D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D000328:Adult; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000628:therapy*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000628:therapy*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research