Psychosocial Issues of HIV Infection in Youth

1
Psychosocial Issues of HIV Infection in Youth

• Chris Sinnock, LCSW
• Infectious Disease Service
• St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital

2
Adolescent vs. Youth

• Adolescent includes patients ages 13 18
• Youth extends to age 24

3
New Diagnoses in the U.S.

• Teens, 13-19, represent 25 of all new cases of
  HIV
• Teens and young adults, 13-24, represent 50 of
  all new cases of HIV

4
SJ HIV Infected Patients
5
St. Jude Youth

• Perinatally infected infants/children who have
  aged up to 13 years old
• Youth infected by blood products during infancy/
  childhood
• Behaviorally infected youth

6
SJ HIV Infected Youth
7
Psychosocial Issues with Prevention/ Education

• Peer influence
• Limited Information
• Myths/ misinformation
• Limited resources
• Risk- taking
• Impulsivity
• Substance use
• Relationships of unequal power

8
Psychosocial Issues at Initial Diagnosis

• Denial
• Parental involvement
• Fear of disclosure
• Identity issues
• Relationships with other HIV infected individuals
• Access to care
• Youth-friendly treatment environment

9
Psychosocial Issues throughout Engagement in Care

• Adjustment to diagnosis
• Preparation for treatment
• Daily routine
• Social support
• Relationship issues/ disclosure
• Emotional/ mental health issues
• Substance use/ abuse issues
• Locus of control
• Present vs. future concepts

10
Psychosocial Issues During Transition to Adult
Care

• Age/ developmental stage
• Preparation for transition
• Knowledge of health care issues
• Degree of adult independence
• Involvement of adult health care team
• History of abandonment

11
Health Care Provider Issues

• Staff diversity
• Knowledge of adolescent growth and development
• Personal adolescent experience
• Patience and flexibility
• Humor, humor, humor