HIV Digest	HIV Digest Archive

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An estimated 50 percent of HIV infections worldwide are among 15-to 24-year-olds, according to the World Health Organization. However, research suggests that many HIV-infected adolescents may not be aware of their status, and only 11 percent of youth living with HIV in the United States receive adequate medical care.

Several studies have shown the need for identifying HIV infection early, so that life-extending drugs can be provided. Identifying more HIV-infected youth could also reduce the risk of transmission to sexual partners and infants. The authors suggest that HIV testing can also be a useful part of HIV prevention efforts. They note that before launching widespread early detection strategies, several key factors must be considered, including investigating alternative methods for conducting pre- and post-test counseling and addressing barriers to prevention and testing within the HIV system of care. The researchers also recommend initiating community-level intervention efforts that are geared towards adolescents at high risk for contracting the virus. They note that "while similar strategies may benefit adults, the language, settings, facilitators, and guidelines for such programs must be tailored to adolescents' develo pmental characteristics."

Editor's Note: from The Archive of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine On-Line