The health and psychosocial status of HIV-seropositive youth in Minnesota

Abstract

To describe the health outcomes and health care utilization of nonhemophiliac adolescents diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Cross-sectional survey. All state residents without hemophilia, 13-21 years of age at the time of HIV infection diagnosis, reported to the Department of Health through April 1992. A state where HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are reportable conditions. Structured interviews. The survey response rate was 67%. Most subjects reported preexisting and current psychosocial problems. In 35% of cases, subjects did not recall giving consent for HIV antibody testing; and many reported that seropositive results were delivered inappropriately. Eighty-seven percent of subjects reported recent medical care, without statistically significant differences related to gender, race, or mode of transmission. Within 3.5 years (median) of the diagnosis of HIV infection, 55% of participants reported having physical limitations that were found only to be associated with duration of illness. The findings highlight the need for better understanding of the progression and comorbidities of HIV disease during adolescence, counseling and testing practices, and expanded access to supportive services.